Jabulani Khumalo Takes MK Party to Constitutional Court, SA Weighs In on Latest Leadership Battle

• Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member, Jabulani Khumalo, is taking the party to the Constitutional Court
• Khumalo has had numerous appeals rejected by courts across the country, as he seeks to reclaim leadership of the party
• South Africans weighed in on Khumalo's latest court appeal, sharing mixed reactions online to the news

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is heading back to the Constitutional Court, but this time as defendants.

The party has been dragged back to court by Jabulani Khumalo, who aims to reclaim the leadership of the party. Khumalo was expelled from the party in April 2024, following allegations of his involvement with some African National Congress leaders.

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He was removed as the face of the party for the 2024 elections and has, unsuccessfully, been trying to be reinstated as the party leader.

Khumalo files papers in Constitutional Court

After having his appeal rejected by numerous courts across the country, Khumalo filed papers in the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.

In the papers, he asked that the matter be heard on an urgent basis. He also said that if Jacob Zuma intends to oppose the application, he needs to file responding papers by 22 August 2025.

Khumalo asked that the court hear the matter on 28 August, citing Zuma, the MK Party and others as the respondents.

What does Khumalo want?

Khumalo asked that the court reinstate him as the leader of the party, saying that the letter dated 9 April 2024, where he relinquished the presidency to Zuma, was fraudulent.

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He wants his expulsion from the party to be annulled, as well as the annulment of the decision to appoint Zuma as the leader and president of the party. He also wants the court to direct the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to allow him to run the party and make all decisions as the leader.

In June, Parliament denied his attempt to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament for the MK Party.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users were amused by Khumalo’s decision, with some noting that there was always drama involving the MK Party. Some showed support for him, while others claimed that the ANC was funding him.

Johannes Matooane said:

“What did Khumalo expect? Those are Gupta professionals. Next time, they're going to send their Gwaza Impis to finish him.”

Contira PI added:

“The ANC is footing Jabulani's legal bill, but who cares?”

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Sinhlatii Munhu stated:

“That's right. Give Zuma a taste of his own medicine.”

Thabani Mtshali Kwa Buzani said:

“I wonder who is sponsoring him.”

Petrus Jantjie also asked:

“Who is paying Jabulani's legal fees?”

Jimmy Swafo suggested:

“Just start another MK and call back your supporters.”

David Shamash Masiba stated:

“Zuma was never an MKP founder. He must go back to the ANC.”

Qalakaliboli Dlamini said:

“He is a desperate joke. 😂 He is hoping the corrupt judges will help him.”

Mfanfikile Sithole claimed:

“Ramaphosa and the ANC are funding this man for all legal battles against the MK Party using taxpayer money.”

Thabo The Industrialist said:

“I am really tired of this MK party. It’s one drama after the other. Even on the ground, they are disorganised.”

MK Party responds to Khumalo's allegations

Briefly News reported in May 2024 that the MK Party believes it made the correct decision to expel Khumalo.

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Khumalo accused Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla of forging his letter of resignation from the position of party president.

The co-founder also accused the MK Party and Jacob Zuma of illegally booting him out of his organisation.

Floyd Shivambu confirms Afrika Mayibuye will contest 2026 elections

Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the Afrika Mayibuye Movement will contest the Local Government Elections in 2026. This has been confirmed by Floyd Shivambu, who said that the movement had already started the process of applying to contest the elections next year. Shivambu started the movement after he was sacked as the Secretary General of the uMKhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in June 2025.

Floyd Shivambu predicts MK Party’s collapse, SA amused

Briefly News also reported that Floyd Shivambu does not have high hopes for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party going forward. The former Secretary-General of the party explained the importance of starting his own movement. South Africans shared their thoughts on his statement, with some questioning why he criticised the party.

Source: Briefly News