In a dramatic turn of events for the MK Party, Brumelda Zuma, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, is set to replace her half-sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, as a Member of Parliament. This comes on the heels of Duduzile's resignation amidst serious allegations that she was involved in trafficking relatives and MK Party members to the war front in Ukraine.
The appointment of Brumelda, however, is not without its own share of controversy. She is expected to be sworn in alongside former deputy police minister Bongani Mkongi, who will fill the seat recently vacated by Lucky Montana. Montana, a former Transnet executive, resigned from his position as an MP while facing accusations of corruption, though he remains a member of the MK Party.
Details of these appointments are outlined in a letter from MK Party secretary-general Bongani Mncwango to party chief whip Colleen Makhubele. Dated 2 December, the letter states that: “The first four cadres on the approved list are prioritised for immediate swearing-in to ensure seamless continuity and operational efficacy: [Brumelda], [Mkongi], [Kubukeli] and Makhosazana Radebe.” Mncwango’s letter also mentioned Mandla Sidu, Simon Modise and Thandeka Vilakazi, who are on the party’s reserve list, as “poised for prompt deployment as contingencies arise”.
Brumelda Zuma is no stranger to controversy. Even before her appointment, she has been accused of stirring up division within the MK Party. Late last year, she allegedly sabotaged a MK Women’s League event by organising a parallel gathering in Empangeni, reportedly with the assistance of MK Party MPLs. This action prompted party leaders from the King Cetshwayo District to voice their concerns in a letter to her father, Jacob Zuma, complaining about her conduct. Despite these complaints, it appears her alleged actions have not hindered her ascent to Parliament.
Bongani Mkongi, who will also be taking up a seat in Parliament, is himself a figure with a controversial past. In 2017, while serving as deputy police minister, Mkongi was investigated by the SA Human Rights Commission following comments he made regarding the number of foreign nationals in South Africa. Addressing a crowd, he stated: “We fought for this country, not only for us but for generations of South Africans to live in harmony in a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa."
He continued: “How can a city in South Africa be 80% foreign nationals? That is dangerous. South Africans have surrendered their own city to the foreigners. The nation should discuss that question.” Mkongi later stated that he did not regret making those comments. It was rumoured that Mkongi had joined the MK Party sometime last year.
News24 reached out to both Brumelda Zuma and Bongani Mkongi for comment on their appointments and the controversies surrounding them. However, neither responded to the queries. When approached for comment about the new MPs, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: “You know more than me. Ask [presidency head] Magasela Mzobe.” Mzobe, who is said to consider himself to be “Zuma’s eyes and ears”, also did not respond to queries.
The Zuma family's continued presence in South African politics, marked by both opportunity and controversy, is once again under the spotlight as Brumelda Zuma prepares to take her oath as an MP.
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