Nhlamulo Ndhlela open to step into Shivambu's shoes

Founding members angling to secure SG position for him

- By Mandisa Nyathi

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has signalled his openness to stepping into the role of secretary-general, a position left vacant following Floyd Shivambu’s ousting earlier this month.

Speaking to Sunday World this week, Ndhlela stressed that he would not turn down the role if asked to serve. “I’m a cadre of the movement. If the structures deploy me, I will accept the responsibility. I’m not campaigning for any position because I am not here for positions, but I will serve where the organisation calls me to,” he said.

Ndhlela’s appetite for power comes as a faction comprised of the MK Party’s founding members intensify their push for him to take on the secretary-general role, seeking to ensure their interests are represented at the party’s top table after they have secured dominant influence in parliament.

Calls for Ndhlela to step in - pre dating Shivambu’s appointment last November - have now gained renewed momentum since the latter's axing earlier this month. His lobby argues that its aim is to restore the party’s founding principles and push back against what it describes as a “creeping takeover” by former EFF leaders.