Former president Jacob Zuma has announced a sweeping overhaul of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) as the organisation gears up for the 2026 local government elections.
The restructuring includes the dissolution of the party’s National High Command and the establishment of a new MK Party Institute, which will take charge of the movement’s political and organisational direction.
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The changes were unveiled during a press briefing held on Saturday at the Coastlands Skye Hotel in Ridgeside, uMhlanga, where party leaders outlined the organisation’s future plans.
In a detailed statement released after the briefing, Zuma said the decision followed an 18-month review of the party’s organisational and ideological framework.
He said the newly created Institute would serve as the movement’s central strategic and administrative body, with every organisational structure reporting directly to it.
MK Party Institute To Drive Strategy And Leadership
The Times Post learned that the institute will be led politically by the party’s deputy president, Dr Mandlakayise Hlophe.
Its leadership team includes party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, General Manana, Oupa Mathebula, Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Lindelani Mbambo.
Zuma said the Institute would immediately begin the process of identifying and establishing a new National Executive Committee (NEC), replacing the former National High Command.
MK Party Targets Constitutional Reform And Liberation Agenda
According to the party, the restructuring is intended to transform MK from a traditional political party into what it describes as a broader liberation movement.
The organisation said it wants South Africa to embark on a fresh constitutional discussion grounded in African traditions, values and identity.
According to the statement, the current Constitution remains heavily influenced by Roman-Dutch law and does not fully reflect the aspirations of the African majority.
The MK Party further stated that it would continue advocating for a review of the Constitution while pushing for what it called African restoration and total liberation.
2026 Local Elections And 2029 National Polls In Focus
The new structures will concentrate on building support ahead of the 2026 local government elections and the 2029 national elections.
The party said its campaign strategy will centre on grassroots mobilisation, activism and community-driven initiatives across the country.
The Times Post has reached out to the MK Party for comments.
