uMkhonto weSizwe president Jacob Zuma has turned down secretary-general Arthur Zwane’s resignation, calling him back to the office.
Zwane had resigned, citing that the workload in the secretariat’s office was piling up beyond his limits, and this had an impact on his personal and business interests.
“In the last two weeks, I have realised that the volume of work in my office is high and beyond my limits,” reads Zwane’s resignation letter in part.
In the letter, dated July 1, Zwane stated that he would resign with immediate effect. A day later, Zuma announced that Sifiso Maseko would take over the secretary-general title with immediate effect.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the spokesperson for the party, said in a media statement on Thursday that, after a meeting between Zuma and Zwane, it was decided that Zwane’s return would be in the best interest of the party.
Preparations for local government elections
He said the primary reason, among others, was that the party’s strategic workshop in Bela-Bela outlined pivotal tasks essential for preparing for future challenges, particularly strengthening the party’s organisational structures in anticipation of the 2026 local government elections and beyond.
He said the party needed to maintain a united front and a strong capacity to fight against what he referred to as the DANC, the government of national unity made up mainly of the ANC and the DA.
For this reason, he said, everyone needed to maintain their ranks.
Maseko is then transferred to the party’s human resources department, where he will be in charge of establishing structures and offices nationwide.
“The MK Party looks forward to comrade Zwane and his collective’s continued contributions to building a strong, vibrant, and resilient MK Party and to Mr Maseko’s vital role in reinforcing the HR arm of the party,” said Ndhlela.
“Unlike any other official party since 1994, we must, on behalf of the poor and downtrodden, ensure that this unholy and anti-black DANC coalition is held accountable for its aim to reverse the gains made thus far and its failures to address rampant unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and landlessness.”
