A person waves a flag bearing a logo for the MK Party Picture: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
Durban: Failure to hand over party records in the province to the new provincial leadership could be among the reasons that led to the suspension of three uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leaders in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature.
The Mercury understands that the leaders allegedly failed to hand over party records to the new convener, Willies Mchunu, when he was appointed.
The MK Party revealed this week that it had suspended Thobani Zuma, Kwazi Mbanjwa, and Sfiso Zuma for irregularities and transgressions of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s constitution.
A member of the party with knowledge of the suspension stated that the irregularities included the failure of these three leaders to hand over control of the party records to Willies Mchunu upon his appointment as convener.
Another issue suggested the source was the handling of candidates for the by-election in Sweetwaters in Msunduzi Municipality last month.
“It was the issue of the by-elections in Sweetwaters Ward 2 where the MK had two candidates. These three had registered one candidate without the authority of the provincial leadership, while the provincial leadership registered another candidate,” said the source.
Approached for comment, Willies Mchunu said that he had been informed by the national leadership about the reasons that led to the suspension of the three party members.
He clarified that he was not in a position to comment further as the matter is being handled by the national office, and it would be inappropriate to discuss issues outside his mandate.
However, he disputed the claim that the leaders had been implicated in the by-election controversy, saying, “As for the reason, I just want to clarify, especially regarding the matter of the Ward 2 by-elections. It was not my understanding of the reasons given; I just want to clarify that part.”
In a statement detailing the suspension, the MK Party said: “Their matters have been referred to the National Prosecutor, where they will be required to make representations in the disciplinary hearing.”
Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa has been immediately removed as Chief Whip and suspended as a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature pending the outcomes of the disciplinary process.
Thobani Zuma has also been suspended as a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature with immediate effect, pending the outcomes of a disciplinary process.
Sifiso Zuma has been issued with a cautionary suspension as Caucus Manager with immediate effect, pending the outcomes of the disciplinary process.
The party said it has a zero-tolerance policy for ill-disciplined behaviour and recalcitrant conduct from its members.
“These comrades are advised to present their cases according to the National Disciplinary Committee in their respective disciplinary processes.
“As an organisation that aims to ensure discipline and accountability among its members, the MKP must demonstrate its ability to lead society with dignity and integrity from within its own ranks.
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