The Umkhonto weSizwe Party has ordered its Secretary-General, Arthur Zwane, back to work following his recent resignation due to workload and business interests issues.
On July 1, Zwane tendered his resignation from the party’s full-time office citing his business interests and the huge workload of the SG’s office as reasons for his decision to step down.
In his place, the party appointed Dr Sifiso Maseko, while Menzi Magubane was appointed as the treasury-general, replacing Danisa Zulu, who was also removed from his position.
However, on Thursday, the party in a statement has revealed that its leader, Jacob Zuma, has rejected Zwane’s request for a part time position in the party and has ordered him back to work, with immediate effect.
“The MK Party wishes to address recent developments concerning the resignation of our Secretary General, Comrade Arthur Zwane. After receiving and carefully considering Comrade Zwane’s resignation letter dated July 1, 2024, in which he cited an excessive workload from MKP and a desire to focus on private business, President Zuma has nonetheless decided not to accept the resignation," party spokesperson,” Nhlamulo Ndhlela said on Thursday.
Among the reasons given for this decision is the work towards the 2026 local government elections and the need for the party to consolidate its efforts towards emancipating the country’s poor and “downtrodden” who look up to the party for their direction.
“The primary reason, among others, is that the MK Party’s founding HUVO in Bela Bela outlined pivotal tasks essential for preparing us for future challenges, particularly strengthening our organisational structures in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 local government elections and beyond.
“Given the turbulent times our country is experiencing under the current DANC coalition, and with all South Africans looking to the MK Party for leadership, maintaining strong capacity, unity, and continuity within our ranks is more important than ever,” the party said.
As such, Zwane is reported to be back at work.
“In this context, the President and Secretary-General met recently to finalise the details of Comrade Zwane’s return to office. Consequently, Comrade Arthur Zwane is back at work with immediate effect,” said Ndhlela.
Meanwhile, the party has also revealed that, as a way to further strengthen its internal human capital, the party has transferred Dr Maseko to the Human Resources Department within the party.
“The MK Party looks forward to Comrade Zwane and his collective’s continued contributions to building a strong, vibrant, and resilient MK Party, and to Mr Maseko’s vital role in reinforcing the HR arm of the party.
“We call on all leaders, members, and structures of the MK Party, and all South Africans to continue rallying behind MKP as we build a strong and resilient organisation, capable of protecting and enhancing the gains made thus far, which the DANC coalition is working hard to reverse,” it said.
The Star