The Zululand University-based political analyst, Professor Sipho Seepe, has urged Mpumalanga traditional leadership (amakhosi) and Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader Jacob Zuma to sit down and resolve their differences amicably.

Seepe was reacting to the decision by Mpumalanga amakhosi, who penned a statement on Wednesday, to withdraw their support for the party, citing the persistent and deliberate undermining of their status by the party leadership.

However, Seepe said that still can be resolved through a formal apology by the MKP leadership, adding that there is no ideological shift but it is a time management issue which needs an apology from the MKP leadership.

“It’s unfortunate that they have this posture for something that looks like a time management matter. I think both parties must sit down and resolve since it is not an ideological shift,” said Seepe.

In response to Zuma’s failure to meet them on Sunday last week after travelling from Mpumalanga, the angry amakhosi announced that they were cutting ties with him and his party.

“We, the Transvaal Kingdom, are compelled to announce that we can no longer continue our association with the MK Party due to the persistent and deliberate undermining, disrespect, and disregard shown by the party, from its national leadership, and President Jacob Zuma, towards the Royal Houses.

“The history of disrespect towards amakhosi within the MK Party is well-documented. This pattern of behaviour has been consistent across all provinces, demonstrating a profound lack of regard for the dignity and significance of traditional leadership. The final act of disrespect that has led to our decision to disassociate ourselves with the MK Party occurred on Sunday, August 3, 2025, however, we did not meet Zuma,” read the statement.

The amakhosi stated that this occurred despite initial confirmation of the meeting and that they were subjected to a series of confusing communications, including a postponement notice followed by a confirmation that the meeting was still on.

They said upon arrival at the Zuma homestead, they were informed by SAPS members that Zuma was not in Nkandla and would not be meeting with them.

Furthermore, amakhosi stated that it was not the first time receiving such a degrading treatment because even during the party manifesto at the  Orlando Stadium, Soweto, last year, as well as the party’s first year anniversary, they were given a cold shoulder.

“This treatment has made it abundantly clear that continued association with the MK Party would result in the erosion of our dignity and the diminishment of the thrones of our forefathers. We have learned a valuable lesson, particularly in the context of the 2026 Local Government Elections. The treatment we have received within the MK Party is a harbinger of what we can expect if the party were to take over in our jurisdictions and territories,” concludes the statement.

The amakhosi’s withdrawal was followed by Injeje yabeNguni leader induna Phumlani Mfeka, who also announced that his group was also pulling out of the party.

On Thursday, amakhosi and Mfeka had a teleconference discussing the same matter. He said he and amakhosi will respond to all issues, including Seepe’s call for unity, during their joint media briefing next month.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela had not responded to the questions sent to him about the amakhosi’s decision.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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