Durban – The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities concerning the councillor candidate lists.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the MK Party announced that: “Pending the outcome of the necessary processes, the president [Jacob Zuma] has decided to remove Cde Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi and Cde Sibonelo Maphumulo from the National Party Liaison Committee (NPLC), with immediate effect”.
The statement said MK Party president, Zuma, and national officials have taken note of the grave and deeply disturbing allegations arising from the recent councillor selection process.
The allegations further suggest that the process may have resulted in the misrepresentation of several councillor candidates.
The MK Party said its president, Zuma, views these allegations with the utmost seriousness.
“Reports that legitimate, duly nominated and deserving candidates may have been removed from the party lists submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), while other names were allegedly submitted in their place, strike at the very heart of the integrity of our organisation and the democratic will of our structures and membership,” said the statement released by spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu.
“There is no place for manipulation, political gatekeeping or the abuse of organisational processes.
“The party will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth regarding any alleged misrepresentation or irregularities involving councillor candidate lists.”
Mahlangu said where wrongdoing is established, appropriate action will be taken.
“The president applauds the valiant efforts of our membership for exposing these serious concerns,” the MK Party spokesperson said.
“In light of the seriousness of these concerns, the party has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities concerning the councillor candidate lists.
“The investigation will seek to establish the full facts and ensure that any persons found responsible for wrongdoing are held accountable in accordance with the organisation’s rules and procedures.”
In that regard, Zuma has disbanded the MK Party Presidential Task Team with immediate effect.
“These decisions are taken in the interests of safeguarding the integrity of the organisation’s processes and protecting the interests of our members, candidates and voters,” explained Mahlangu.
“The president also hereby announces that Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi is the new Mayoral Candidate of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality”.
The president and national officials congratulated Phakathi on his designation as the Mayoral Candidate of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
“The Party apologises to our business centres and affected structures for the uncertainty and disruption arising from these developments.
Zuma called upon all members and structures to put these challenges behind us, unite behind our candidates and rally behind our councillor and mayoral candidates towards a decisive victory in the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
