News24 | Zuma fires powerful leaders Kubukeli, Litchfield-Tshabalala from MK Party

MK Party president Jacob Zuma has expelled MPs Pumlani Kubukeli and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala.

Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images

• MK Party president Jacob Zuma has expelled MPs Pumlani Kubukeli and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala.
• He cited conduct detrimental to the party’s reputation and discipline under section 7(2)(h) of the party’s constitution.
• Just a month ago, the two leaders were arguably the most powerful in the party.
• For more political news, visit News24 Politics.

MK Party president Jacob Zuma has expelled, with immediate effect, party leaders Pumlani Kubukeli and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala, who were recently appointed to lead in the party’s highest echelons.

The decision to fire the two leaders, who doubled as MPs, was announced by spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu just a day before the party was set to hold a press briefing.

It follows the most recent wave of purges that has unfolded over the past four months.

In May 2026, national spokesperson and MP Nhlamulo Ndhlela was removed and replaced by Mahlangu, a former editor of The Star newspaper.

Zuma fired his own daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Ndhlela, expelling them from the party entirely over allegations of the death of MP Muzi Ntshingila and of undermining organisational discipline. The pair approached the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on 25 June 2026 to challenge their expulsions, arguing they were denied due process.

Litchfield-Tshabalala, a former ANC and EFF MP, rose to prominence after initiating the EFF’s “pay back the money” campaign against Zuma.

READ | Zuma fires Duduzile, Ndhlela from MK Party

The chant became popular among EFF MPs after Zuma was ordered to repay nearly R28.9 million in state funds, as the courts ruled that he had unlawfully used public money to pay for his personal legal defence in his corruption and arms deal cases.

Zuma appointed Litchfield-Tshabalala and Kubukeli, a former military veteran, to a 20-man strategic presidential team, which was announced in July.

Kubukeli was the structure’s convenor.

The 20 leaders, who were meant to be funded “exclusively through a discretionary fund”, had replaced a presidential task team, according to a recent statement.

Zuma’s son, Duduzane, was a part of the task team.

READ | Zuma strips Nomvalo of MKP secretariat powers, establishes team to take over all operations

Duduzane has since leapfrogged several leaders to become the party’s deputy president following the removal of former Western Cape High Court Judge John Hlophe from the position.

On Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala’s axing, Mahlangu said:

The decision follows a series of acts and conduct attributed to the two members which, in the determination of the party leadership, have been detrimental to the good name, reputation, integrity and interests of the organisation, and have undermined the unity and organisational discipline of the party.

“The decision has been taken under the executive authority vested in the office of the president in terms of section 7[2][h] of the MK Party’s constitution, which empowers the president to establish, restructure, appoint or remove organisational structures or deployees in the interest of the party and its strategic direction.”

Mahlangu added that Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala’s memberships were terminated with immediate effect.

He said the party has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to formally communicate the decision and to initiate the necessary process for their subsequent removal from Parliament.

“The party reiterates its commitment to organisational unity, discipline and integrity. All members and structures are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the party constitution in the interests of unity and comradeship.”