John Hlophe Slams Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla & Nhlamulo Ndhlela’s Conduct in MK Party Meetings
South Africans were not shocked when a leaked letter from MK Party deputy president Dr John Hlophe to party president Jacob Zuma accused Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla and spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela of causing disruption, disrespect, and chaos during caucus meetings held on 25 June 2025. This internal dispute has exposed deepening fissures within the party—as public attention focuses on how authority and discipline are enforced—or overlooked—in the MK Party structure

The Leaked Letter: Allegations and Fallout
In his letter dated 26 June, Hlophe recounts a whippery meeting where:
- Ndhlela was accused of insulting newly appointed Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele, calling her a “political novice and newcomer” and interfering with parliamentary communication :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla reportedly interrupted proceedings, creating chaos—standing up mid-meeting and blurting out “Are we not done?” before storming out
Hlophe warned Zuma that such behaviour “undermines unity, efficiency and progress” and violates the party’s Disciplinary Code, threatening the MK Caucus’s stability

Official Responses & Denials
Nhlamulo Ndhlela has denied receiving any formal dismissal letter and suggested the leaked memos might be forgeries, claiming Hlophe’s signature was digitally misused :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. The MK Party itself has stated that the letter could be fake
Wider Implications Inside the MK Party
Analysts note this is not an isolated clash. Former MK Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu previously alleged factionalism linked to Duduzile — describing her as a source of discord within the party :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. The friction reflects a broader struggle over leadership, discipline, and identity, signalling potential instability just months before the next election cycle.
Public & Media Reaction
The leaked letter has drawn attention, with South Africans responding on social media: “They are gwazaring each other over there…” and “Love this MKP because there is something to laugh about every day.”
What Happens Next?
The MK Party’s disciplinary committee will need to confirm the authenticity of the documents and decide whether corrective measures—ranging from warnings to suspension—are necessary. As Ndhlela awaits clarity on his status, the incident highlights the party’s internal challenges in enforcing decorum and authority.
Why This Matters
- Party Unity: Disputes leak into public view, eroding unity and credibility heading into future elections.
- Leadership Accountability: How Hlophe and Zuma respond will be seen as a test of internal governance and discipline.
- Public Trust: Chaos and factionalism may weaken public confidence in the party’s capacity to deliver consistent policy and strong leadership.
Related Coverage
For more on internal MK Party dynamics and leadership struggles, explore our articles on MK Party factional fallout and Shivambu vs Duduzile tensions.
To understand the MK Party’s disciplinary code and caucus structure, see MK Party Discipline & Authority Framework.
External Reading & Resources
Read full coverage at Times LIVE and IOL. Briefly provides a concise summary of Hlophe’s allegations .
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