MK Party confirms Zuma-Sambudla's signatory status despite not being an MP

Following the regular chopping and changing of members of Parliament (MPs), the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has written to the National Assembly (NA) Speaker confirming Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla as the organisation’s signatory.

As the signatory, she’s responsible for all the party’s communications with Parliament, including deploying and firing of MPs.

The move has been perceived by some in the party as another statement of Zuma-Sambudla’s growing power and influence in the organisation - which is led by her father and former statesman Jacob Zuma.

Despite not being an MP, Zuma-Sambudla effectively has more power than MK Party’s parliamentary leader.

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Zuma-Sambudla resigned from Parliament in November 2025, following allegations she was part of a group of people who duped 17 South African men to fight in Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

Mk Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said Zuma-Sambudla still remains a member of the organisation.

“There is nothing untoward. In any case, remember the decisions are taken by the party, not members of Parliament. The tail, meaning Parliament, cannot wag the dog. The party will say what it wants and this decision has been taken, and it’s for anyone that interfaces with Parliament or speaker to implement the decision taken by the President or national officials.”

MK Party’s newly appointed parliamentary chief whip, Mmabatho Mokeona-Zondi, is the party’s second signatory.