The 15-month-old MK Party’s support staff in the provincial legislatures and those in constituency offices are crying foul that they have not been paid their salaries.
It is not clear what could have been the reasons that led to dozens of workers not receiving their March salaries.
But in a letter sent to affected staff by party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu, he explained that there were technical glitches experienced.
“It is with utmost sincerity that we address you regarding the regrettable delay in the processing of salaries for March 2025,” Shivambu explained to staff members.
“This unforeseen situation stems from unexpected technical challenges, and we fully acknowledge the difficulties it may pose for you and your families.
“We want to assure you that the leadership of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party is treating this matter with the urgency it deserves.”
Workers also not paid in December
It is not for the first that the party has failed to pay salaries.
In KwaZulu-Natal, which is the party’s stronghold, support staff reportedly had not received their December salaries.
After the matter became public, party President Jacob Zuma intervened, and the staff members were subsequently paid their dues.
In the correspondence, Shivambu states that the party was engaging all stakeholders to ensure that the salaries are released at the earliest possible date.
“While we are currently unable to provide a definitive timeline for the resolution, we remain committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
“We deeply appreciate your patience, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the movement.
“Your continued dedication to the vision and mission of the MKP remain invaluable as we collectively navigate challenges in our revolutionary path,” he said in the letter.
Top officials suspended
The shenanigans pertaining to the misuse and alleged disappearance of funds in the MKP have already seen the suspension of key party members.
In the case of the KZN legislature, Kwazi Mbanjwa, a member of the legislature who also served as a chief whip, was suspended on allegations that millions of rands were never released to the party’s constituencies.
He was suspended together with another member of the provincial legislature, Thobani Zuma, and senior staffer, Sifiso Zuma, on the grounds that the trio refused to release the funds, which impacted the workers’ salaries.
The MKP has the highest number of legislature seats at 37 in the province, while in the National Assembly, it is the official opposition.
