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In a move that comes amidst bouts of controversy, Dr. Sifiso Maseko, the secretary-general of South Africa's MK Party, has tendered his resignation. After a relatively short four-month tenure, Maseko has opted to step away from the political alignment closely associated with the veterans of the liberation struggle. His departure paves the way for the MK Party to select what will be its fifth secretary-general since the group's formation on December 16, 2023.
Maseko's time within the party's leadership follows the paths of predecessors Arthur Zwane, Sihle Ngubane, and Thanduxolo “Gorbachev” Dyodo. According to reports, the outgoing secretary-general plans to resume his previous role in the Gauteng Department of Health, where he served as head of infrastructure development.
This career move occurs after a period marked by economic gain, albeit under contentious circumstances. SABC News, on November 6, disclosed Maseko's written commendations to MK Party stalwart Jacob Zuma. Despite resigning his secretary-general post, Maseko vows to continue contributing to the party, remaining a member of the National High Command.
The South African public could, however, voice skepticism given previous reports that Maseko amassed a fortune during a suspension. Stemming from accusations made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that led to disciplinary and criminal considerations, Maseko found himself sidelined with a full salary. This suspension resulted from the SIU's probe into irregular procurement practices related to personal protective equipment (PPE) during the National State of Disaster, with ties to a widely inflated budget for the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital refurbishment project.
The gross financial earnings for Maseko during this period, where he ostensibly performed no duties for the health department, amounted to over R4.3 million across 36 months. These revelations raise formidable questions about accountability and governance within the public service domains.
Now, as the MK Party and the broader political landscape of South Africa digest these developments, the quest for a new secretary-general prompts reflections on leadership integrity and public trust. Such shifts in political parties often ripple through the corridors of power, foregrounding the perennial challenges of transparency and ethical stewardship.