The uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s internal strife is still visible to the public, as spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has sent former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu a letter of demand.
This dispute has to do with slanderous claims that Shivambu made in an interview with TV news channel eNCA not long after being removed from his position over a week ago.
Ndhlela responded to the comments by contacting Ndou Incorporated Attorneys to file a lawsuit demanding a public apology, retraction, and clarification with eNCA.
Strong ties with Zuma’s daughter
“He came to me and said that I was going to overthrow him, but the report that was given to him by the people I call scoundrels at the meeting of officials that made that decision also came with him,” Shivambu said in the interview.
“Do you know who they are, by the way? There are different people there; that includes an imbecile, a fool called Nhlamulo Ndhlela, one of the foolish leaders of uMkhonto weSizwe who unfortunately represents people there.
“He’s always on drugs and always high on alcohol in terms of how he deals with issues.”
Shivambu continued by saying that Ndhlela would boldly try to tell lies to Jacob Zuma, the leader of the MK Party, because he would have faith in his bond with Zuma’s daughter.
Additionally, he emphasised that he never stated that Duduzile [Zuma] was under the influence of drugs, but rather that those who use drugs had been disparaging him on social media, and he was prepared to identify them if questioned.
Ndou Incorporated Attorneys stated in the letter that Shivambu’s statements indicated that Ndhlela is a drug user, an alcoholic, and dishonest towards the MK Party leader.
Ndhlela’s reputation damaged
The attorneys assert that the statement aims to damage their client’s reputation and constitutes defamation.
“The statements were made with reckless disregard for their truthfulness. As a public representative and a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, you are duty-bound to ensure that your public statements are accurate and do not unjustly harm others,” the lawyers wrote in the letter.
“Your failure to verify the veracity of these claims constitutes a deliberate or negligent violation of our client’s rights under South African law, including the common law of defamation and his constitutional rights to dignity and reputation under sections 10 and 16 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa.”
- The story will be updated with Shivambu’s comment.
