POLITICS - uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party president Jacob Zuma has once again reshuffled the party's national leadership, replacing several senior officials in what the party says is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen its organisational structures.

The changes, announced during a media briefing on Tuesday evening, include new appointments to the positions of national chairperson, first deputy president and deputy secretary-general, as well as the reinstatement of the Presidential Task Team (PTT).

Duduzane Zuma promoted to first deputy president

One of the most significant appointments sees Zuma's son, Duduzane Zuma, elevated to the position of first deputy president, replacing Dr John Hlophe with immediate effect.

The announcement comes just weeks after Duduzane's twin sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, was expelled from the party for conduct deemed inconsistent with the MK Party's constitution.

Former ANC veteran Tony Yengeni has been appointed as the party's second deputy president.

Nkosinathi Nhleko replaced as national chairperson

Former national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko has also been removed from his position and replaced by Reverend Mxolisi Phakathi.

MK Party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu thanked Nhleko for his contribution to the organisation.

"President Zuma expresses his sincere appreciation to Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko for his dedication, commitment and service to the party during his tenure. The president thanks him for his contribution to building the organisation and wishes him well in his future endeavours," Mahlangu said.

Hlophe retains parliamentary leadership

Although removed as first deputy president, Dr John Hlophe will continue serving as the MK Party's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly.

Mahlangu said Zuma had thanked Hlophe for his leadership and ongoing contribution to the party.

"President Zuma extends his sincere gratitude to Dr Hlophe for his leadership, dedication and invaluable contribution to the growth and strengthening of the MK Party and wishes him well in his continued service to the organisation."

Further leadership appointments announced

The reshuffle also sees Nomsa Dlamini replaced as deputy secretary-general by Lindiwe Mtshali.

Meanwhile, Willis Mchunu has been appointed to the party's Presidency Collective while continuing in his role as the MK Party's KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader.

According to Mahlangu, Mchunu will provide strategic advice and organisational support on matters requiring presidential oversight and coordination.

Presidential Strategic Team dissolved

Zuma has also dissolved the party's Strategic Presidential Team with immediate effect.

The party said it would not accept responsibility for any financial commitments, contracts or obligations entered into by members of the dissolved structure without proper authorisation.

"Any commitments, contracts, obligations or financial liabilities entered into by members of the dissolved Strategic Presidential Team shall not be the responsibility of the MK Party," Mahlangu said.

Presidential Task Team reinstated

At the same time, Zuma announced the reinstatement of the Presidential Task Team (PTT), which will immediately resume its responsibilities.

Zandile Hlophe and Sibonelo Maphumulo have been appointed as the party's authorised representatives and signatories with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

They will oversee statutory and electoral matters on behalf of the party.

Zuma restores financial functions while retaining oversight

The party also confirmed that secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo and treasurer-general Brian Molefe will resume their full responsibilities following the lifting of a previous moratorium on the party's finances, secretariat and communications.

Last month, Zuma placed the party's finances under his direct control by removing all officials' authority to sign on party bank accounts.

Although the moratorium has now been lifted, Zuma confirmed he will continue exercising political oversight over the party's finances and key organisational functions.

"The president further confirms that he shall exercise political oversight over the organisation, including oversight over the party's finances, the secretariat and all key organisational functions," Mahlangu said.

Call for unity

Concluding the announcement, Zuma called on MK Party members and leadership structures to unite behind the latest changes.

"The president calls upon all members, leaders and structures of the MK Party to unite behind these decisions and continue working together to build a disciplined, united and effective organisation in the service of the people of South Africa," Mahlangu said.

Article: Caxton publication, The Citizen

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