Jacob Zuma promotes son Duduzane to first deputy president of MK Party

Former South African president Jacob Zuma carried out a sweeping reshuffle of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party on 4 August 2026. He appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as the party's first deputy president, the highest political office the son has held. The move placed Duduzane directly below Zuma in the party hierarchy and signalled a further consolidation of family influence.

John Hlophe, the former Western Cape Judge President, was removed from the first deputy presidency but will remain the MK Party's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly. Veteran politician Tony Yengeni was named second deputy president. National chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko, a former police minister, was dismissed and replaced by Mxolisi Phakathi. Nomsa Dlamini was relieved of her deputy secretary‑general role, with Lindiwe Mtshali taking over. Former KwaZulu‑Natal premier Willies Mchunu joined the presidential advisory collective. Zuma also dissolved the Strategic Presidential Team, reinstated a Presidential Task Team under his direct leadership, and lifted a moratorium on the party's finances, communications and secretariat functions.