Zuma's MK party is imploding

Zuma's uMkhonto Wesizwe party is in debt and riddled with factionalism and chaos. By Marianne Thamm

- By Marianne Thamm

Then there is the not-so-small matter of the party's R28-million debt hole, which its treasurer general, Mpiyakhe Limba, confirmed in August, blaming it on Shivambu's mismanagement

Then there is the not-so-small matter of the party's R28-million debt hole, which its treasurer-general, Mpiyakhe Limba, confirmed in August, blaming it on Shivambu's mismanagement during his time as secretary-general.

The Mail & Guardian reported that some MK MPs claimed R70-million has been “siphoned off” from funding meant for constituency offices for its 58 MPs and five members of the National Council of Provinces. Instead, they allege, money has been spent on travel and accommodation.

This is not the first time such accusations have been made. Shivambu also claimed after his departure that R7-million was being “looted” from party coffers each month. Vanessa Calvert, chief of staff and administration for MK's caucus, has been fingered by MK caucus members.

Calvert, however, has stated that she did not work with “any moneys” and merely allocated staff to portfolios in Parliament and made travel and accommodation arrangements “for people”. She had been suspended for three months after allegedly refusing to approve the awarding of a lucrative contract to the company of which Makhubele's husband is a director, but she has been reinstated.

Zuma reiterated in August that MK would not hold an elective conference - something is has never done - and said it was his prerogative to hire and fire members.