Former South African president Jacob Zuma has elevated his son, Duduzane Zuma, to the second-highest position in the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, capping a sweeping leadership overhaul that removed senior officials, dissolved a powerful internal structure and tightened Zuma’s grip on one of the country’s most influential opposition movements.
The appointments were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by Zuma’s Office as part of what the party described as an organisational reconfiguration aimed at strengthening its leadership, improving operational effectiveness and consolidating its structures.
Duduzane Zuma was appointed First Deputy President with immediate effect, replacing former judge John Hlophe, who was relieved of the position but retained as the MK Party’s parliamentary leader in South Africa’s National Assembly.
The reshuffle also saw National Chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko removed from office and replaced by Reverend Phakathi, while Nomsa Dlamini was relieved of her duties as Deputy Secretary-General. Zuma appointed Lindiwe Mtshali as the party’s new Deputy Secretary-General and confirmed veteran politician Tony Yengeni as Second Deputy President.
Zuma centralises control of party structures
