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MK Party Suspends Chief Whip Amid Corruption Scandal
South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has suspended National Assembly Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi with immediate effect, following her arrest on charges of fraud and extortion totalling R233,317.99. The party announced the decision on Tuesday, after President Jacob Zuma met with national officials to approve disciplinary measures.
What She Is Accused Of
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, Mokoena-Zondi allegedly recruited four parliamentary researchers between August and December 2024, then demanded they hand over 50% to 60% of their salaries. She reportedly claimed the money would cover Jacob Zuma’s legal costs.
In total, the four employees were defrauded of approximately R233,317.99. Mokoena-Zondi appeared before the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court and was released on R30,000 bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled at the Bellville Commercial Court on 18 June.
Her Defence
In an affidavit, Mokoena-Zondi denied personal enrichment, claiming the four individuals voluntarily contributed to an initiative supporting Zuma’s Nkandla homestead. She insists no money was taken for her own benefit.
The Party Knew — And Did Nothing
What makes this case particularly striking is that the MK Party’s own national disciplinary committee had already found Mokoena-Zondi guilty of extorting at least three parliamentary employees. The report, which recommended her dismissal, was sent to then-Secretary General Floyd Shivambu — yet the party took no action at the time.
The suspension only came after her criminal arrest became public, raising serious questions about internal accountability within the party.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla: No Official Role
In the same statement, the MK Party moved to clarify the position of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, Jacob Zuma’s daughter, stating she holds no official position or authority within the party and remains an ordinary member.
The clarification comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Zuma family’s influence over the party’s internal affairs.
