Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) parliamentary caucus leader Dr John Hlophe has raised the red flag over party boss Jacob Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and party chief spin doctor Nhlamulo Ndlhela for wreaking havoc in the party caucus.
In a letter which Hlophe penned to Zuma on June 26 that has been leaked, the former Western Cape Judge President is at pains trying to explain what he terms “disruptive and divisive” conduct by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela.
Powerful faction within MKP
This is not the first complaint about the duo, who apparently run a powerful faction within MKP with immense influence and control over Zuma.
Recently fired ex-MKP secretary-general Floyd Shivambu placed his sacking squarely at the door of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela.
Hlophe, in his letter, also cautions that if Zuma does not intervene as a matter of urgency, the unity and cohesion of MKP in parliament lie in ruin.
He details the unruly behaviour of the two Gwaza comrades in one meeting, where Zuma-Sambudla apparently attempted a walkout by the rest of the meeting attendees, a manoeuvre that flopped.
Hlophe also tells Zuma that the powerful Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela, who enjoy direct access to the Nkandla pensioner, have no regard for Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele.
Disruptive and divisive behaviour
“On 25 June 2025, during a Whippery meeting, commanders Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela engaged in disruptive and divisive behaviour that undermined the authority of the party leader and the chief whip,” Hlophe wrote to Zuma.
“Despite being formally informed of his removal from the Whippery Team on 23 June 2025, commander Ndhlela attended the meeting and feigned ignorance of the decision. He proceeded to insult the Chief Whip, claiming she required ‘political education’ and that her decision to remove him was invalid unless sanctioned by the top management structure.
“Commander Ndhlela has consistently insulted the chief whip in some instances, labelling her a ‘political novice and newcomer’ to the political landscape.”
Hlophe continues to elaborate on the unprecedented degeneracy.
“Commander Ndhlela’s behaviour escalated further during the meeting. He continued to undermine the chief whip’s authority and insisted on raising the matter during the caucus meeting later in the morning. This despite members agreeing that the issue should be discussed privately.
Disrespectful towards chief whip
“His actions reflect a deliberate attempt to usurp the authority of the chief whip and disrupt the unity of the caucus. Commander Zuma-Sambudla further exacerbated the situation by interrupting proceedings, creating unnecessary chaos and disregarding repeated cautions to wait her turn.”
Hlophe goes on to explain that even when he tried to step in to save the day, relentless Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela were having none of it.
“While I was speaking, commander Zuma-Sambudla interrupted me repeatedly, displaying unruly behaviour that required reprimanding. She noisily rose from her seat, grabbed her belongings, and exclaimed, ‘Are we not done?’ before sitting down when she realised no one followed her.”
Hlophe tells Zuma that such behaviour flies in the face of the more than 2 million people who voted for the party.
The running amok of the two “commanders” undermines the unity and operational integrity of the MKP caucus, Hlophe charges.
“These challenges require immediate intervention to restore unity, efficiency, and adherence to the revolutionary ethos of the MK Party. I trust that you will provide guidance and support in addressing these matters and ensuring accountability at all levels of the organisation.”
