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In a decisive move that has sent shockwaves through South African politics, Jacob Zuma, the leader of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has terminated the membership of Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi. This action follows grave allegations that Phadi was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate a party rival, signaling deep internal conflicts within the party.
Mary Phadi, a well-known figure in both political and business circles as the president of the Truckers Association of South Africa, was implicated in a potential assassination plot against MK party’s General Tough Mdluli. The case came into the spotlight in August when Mdluli reported to the police that he had been targeted for murder, supported by death threats and compromising voice recordings.
The situation escalated when the MK party’s top brass directed Phadi to resign from her position in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature—a directive she blatantly ignored. As a result, the party leadership, under Zuma's order, revoked her membership and affiliation with the party entirely. The official statement from the party cited not only the alleged assassination plot but also misappropriation of funds and actions that brought disrepute to the organization as grounds for her dismissal.
The consequences of this dismissal extend beyond Phadi. Her departure underscores a tumultuous period within the MK party, which has seen a notable increase in its ranks from defectors of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), such as Floyd Shivambu and Dali Mpofu among others. This inflow from EFF could significantly alter the political dynamics within the MK party.
Jacob Zuma’s aggressive stance against dissenters within his party surfaces amidst a broader narrative of his political maneuvering, highlighted recently by EFF leader Julius Malema's public confrontation with him. Malema’s bold declaration of readiness to face Zuma reflects an intensifying opposition amongst key political figures in South Africa.
As the MK party navigates through this storm, the broader implications on its unity and effectiveness as a political entity remain to be seen. With Mary Phadi now ousted, the party finds itself at a critical juncture, tasked with maintaining coherence amidst growing internal and external pressures.