PRETORIA, Gauteng — The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has moved to expel two Members of Parliament, Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Pumlani Kubukeli, with immediate effect. The party announced the decision, stating that the lawmakers engaged in a series of acts and conduct deemed detrimental to the good name, reputation, integrity, and interests of the MK Party, while allegedly undermining its unity and organizational discipline.
Following the expulsion, the party confirmed it has formally written to the National Assembly Speaker to initiate the processes required to remove both individuals from parliament.
In a detailed response to the expulsion, Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala expressed bewilderment over the decision, stating she was never informed of the specific “series of actions” that supposedly brought the party into disrepute. She emphasized that no formal disciplinary process was followed, describing the removal as a unilateral “presidential decree” that contradicts the party’s constitution, which she argues does not grant the president the authority to expel members without due process.
Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala outlined three key instances she believes may have triggered the backlash. First, she pointed to her involvement in an institute established to salvage internal MK Party problems over an 18-month period. She noted this initiative was undertaken in consultation with, and in the direct presence of, the party President.
Second, she addressed her late inclusion in the Strategic Presidential Team (SPT). She recounted being called to an 11th-hour meeting by the general manager, which led to extensive discussions with the President. During these sessions, she stated the President himself articulated critical organizational problems, including financial constraints and logistical failures—such as a lack of banners and t-shirts—during recent voter registration weekends.
Third, Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala highlighted her role as deputy chairperson of the ad hoc policy committee. She revealed that she had pressed the Secretary General regarding financial processes at a recent MK policy conference. She noted that the event resulted in a half-million rand loss because proper procedures and financial plans had not been presented to members before the conference date elapsed.
Addressing broader allegations of financial mismanagement, Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala distanced herself from a recent forensic investigation into party accounts initiated by management, stating the matter has nothing to do with her. She also condemned the subsequent social media attacks by party officials following the suspension of the SPT, noting that disciplined members had chosen to remain silent until now to avoid airing internal grievances publicly.
“My credibility is being brought into disrepute here,” Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala stated, adding that her legal team will advise her on the next steps. She expressed confidence that the truth will eventually surface, asserting that “a lie does not stand the test of time.”
When questioned about the apparent instability and shifting dynamics within the organization, she refused to speculate on the President’s motives. However, she highlighted the stark contradiction of being consulted in private meetings to solve party issues, only to be publicly condemned days later.
Despite the political turmoil, Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala noted she is currently focusing on broader Pan-Africanist and Afrocentrist engagements, including discussions on sovereign debt. She also mentioned she is scheduled to travel to Uganda to receive an award from an organization.
The MK Party has declined to grant further interviews regarding the expulsions, directing all media inquiries to their official written statement.