MK Party Ousts Zuma Loyalists — and South Africa Is Watching

June 22, 2026 3 min read

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expelled Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela with immediate effect, party officials confirmed on Tuesday. The decision marks a sharp escalation in internal turmoil for the political movement closely linked to former president Jacob Zuma. Both figures were removed from membership, stripping them of any formal party standing.

What Sparked the Expulsion

Party leadership cited conduct violations as the grounds for removal. Officials said the expelled members had acted against party interests, though full details of the specific infractions remained scarce. The decision took immediate effect, leaving both figures without official affiliation to the MK Party.

The timing is notable. Internal rifts within the party have widened over recent months, with competing factions jostling for control. Sources close to the party indicated that disagreements over strategy and public messaging had sharpened the divide.

The Zuma Connection

Zuma-Sambudla's expulsion signals the continued fallout from the former president's rift with party leadership. Zuma, who remains a polarising figure in South African politics, has publicly clashed with MK Party chairman Jabulani Khumalo. That conflict has fractured the party's base.

The former president has repeatedly urged supporters to reject party structures he no longer controls. His influence stretches across parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where the MK Party drew its strongest support during last year's elections.

Political Fallout

The split complicates the MK Party's electoral standing. Without Zuma's backing, the party risks losing voters who follow him personally rather than the institution. Analysts warn that a fragmented party could cede ground to the African National Congress ahead of local government contests.

Economic Stakes for South Africa

Investor confidence in South Africa has wavered under the weight of political uncertainty. The rand traded cautiously following news of the expulsion, reflecting nervous sentiment among currency traders. Business leaders have grown accustomed to navigating political turbulence, yet persistent instability deters long-term capital inflows.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has seen elevated volatility in shares linked to state-owned enterprises. Companies operating in sectors where political relationships matter—mining, energy, telecommunications—face renewed uncertainty about regulatory continuity.

Foreign direct investment commitments to South Africa slowed in the first quarter of this year, according to data from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Political fragmentation risks deepening that retreat.

Market Implications

Electoral volatility historically weakens rand performance against major currencies. Should the MK Party's internal crisis deepen, coalition arithmetic at the local level shifts. That uncertainty complicates budget planning for provincial governments reliant on national transfers.

Rating agencies have flagged governance quality as a factor in South Africa's credit outlook. Sustained political infighting could reinforce negative assessments, pushing borrowing costs higher for state entities and private borrowers alike.

What Happens Next

Both expelled members retain the right to appeal within party structures. Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela have not publicly responded to the announcement. Supporters of the expelled faction have signalled intent to contest the decision through legal channels if necessary.

The broader question is whether more members will defect. Party insiders suggest a second round of expulsions could follow. If a significant bloc breaks away, the MK Party's parliamentary representation becomes harder to sustain.

Watch for the party's next public statement and any counter-messaging from Zuma himself. The former president's silence—or his next statement—will shape how this dispute unfolds and whether the political damage remains contained or spreads further.