Zuma overturns MK chief whip’s expulsion

The newly appointed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party parliamentary chief whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, says she has been cleared of wrongdoing by party president Jacob Zuma and will focus on her parliamentary mandate.

Mokoena-Zondi, who also serves as the party’s whip in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), was the subject of a year-long police investigation following complaints by several party members. However, a source close to the investigations told IOL the case was closed following Zuma's clearance and a flawed disciplinary process.

Speaking to IOL, Zondi said: “I was cleared by our party president, Jacob Zuma, of any wrongdoing and just want to focus on our mandate of serving our people in Parliament.”

In a letter seen by IOL, Zuma upheld Mokoena-Zondi’s appeal against the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry that had recommended her expulsion from the party.

The letter cites alleged irregularities in the disciplinary process and calls for her immediate reinstatement. According to the letter, the expulsion decision “directly contradicts an earlier directive under my authority, which withdrew all charges against Hon. Mokoena and nullified disciplinary actions”.

Zuma further directed that:

Mokoena-Zondi be reinstated with immediate effect as MK Party chief whip in the NCOP, with the reinstatement recorded as legally binding and superseding previous disciplinary decisions.

Her access to official communication platforms and parliamentary resources be restored immediately.

The expulsion decision be declared null and void.

The internal party decision does not affect the ongoing criminal investigation.

Mokoena-Zondi denied any wrongdoing, saying: “Let them investigate, but I must be allowed to continue the work I have been mandated to undertake by the party and the confidence placed in me by our president. My focus on ensuring we do so will not be influenced by those seeking to undermine our intentions and goals to deliver to our people. I’ve been tasked with upholding our party in Parliament and making sure our parliamentary representatives deliver on what is expected of them.”

Police had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication

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