Jacob Zuma appoints Duduzane as MK Party deputy president

In a sweeping leadership overhaul, former president Jacob Zuma has appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as the first deputy president of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. The reshuffle, announced on August 4, 2026, consolidates the Zuma family's influence within the party and marks a significant promotion for Duduzane Zuma, placing him directly below his father in the party hierarchy.

The changes, described by the party as an organisational reconfiguration to strengthen its structures, saw several senior officials removed or reassigned. Dr. John Hlophe was relieved of his duties as first deputy president but will remain the party's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly. Veteran politician Tony Yengeni was appointed second deputy president.

Other key appointments include Reverend Mxolisi Phakathi replacing Nathi Nhleko as national chairperson, and Lindiwe Mtshali succeeding Nomsa Dlamini as deputy secretary-general. Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Willies Mchunu was appointed to the party's presidency collective, where he will provide strategic advice while retaining his provincial leadership role.

Concurrently, President Zuma dissolved the party's Strategic Presidential Team, a...