Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela
Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and ex-MK Party spin doctor Nhlamulo Ndhlela said they would challenge their expulsion from the party in court.
The duo made the announcement at a press briefing in Sandton on Sunday, three days after they were booted out with immediate effect.
"We will be instructing our lawyers to approach the High Court and challenge our expulsions," Ndhlela said as he read out a joint statement.
"The people did not vote for internal conflict."
MKP secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo announced the expulsions on Thursday.
He said the pair had acted in ways that clashed with the party's values, constitution and organisational interests.
Their memberships were terminated on the spot.
Zuma-Sambudla, ex-president Jacob Zuma's daughter, was accused of using public platforms and social media to undermine party unity, promote factional narratives and publicly discredit its leadership structures.
Ndhlela was accused of holding media briefings without authorisation and misrepresenting party positions.
Both were also implicated in the death of MK MP Mzikayise Ntshingila, who died on June 4 at the age of 43.
The party alleged the pair transferred the ailing Ntshingila to another health facility without his family's knowledge, and that his belongings were removed from his parliamentary residence without the family being told.
Parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe had instructed the two not to attend Ntshingila's funeral or make any public statements about the deceased.
The party said they ignored that directive.
Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela said they only learned of their expulsions through the media.
Ndhlela said their removal set a dangerous precedent for all party members.
"If constitutional protections can be ignored for founders of the movement, what protection remains for the ordinary members?" he asked.
"Today it is the founding members, tomorrow it may be the branch leaders, the next day it may be the councillors, then the ordinary members."
Zuma-Sambudla said she does not take any responsibility for her actions.
"I blame the people around the leadership and I don't feel betrayed by my father," she said.
"I again blame the people around him."
IOL