When Jacob Zuma, former president of South Africa, announced the creation of a new leadership post at the MK Party on October 23, 2025, the room in Durban buzzed with surprise. At a packed press briefing inside the party’s headquarters, Zuma unveiled Tony Yengeni as the party’s Second Deputy President, a move that instantly reshaped the opposition’s power balance. The announcement came just a day after a High Court order forced Zuma to repay R28.9 million to the State Attorney, underscoring the political drama swirling around the party.
- Who: Jacob Zuma and Tony Yengeni
- What: Creation of a Second Deputy President role
- When: 23 October 2025
- Where: Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal
- Why: To free First Deputy President John Hlophe for parliamentary duties and strengthen party administration
Background of the MK Party
The MK Party, named after the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), re‑emerged in 2022 as a formal political entity under Zuma’s leadership. Since its launch, the party has claimed a rapid climb from obscurity to becoming “one of the bigger parties in the country,” according to Zuma’s own words. Election analysts note that its support base now stretches across Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and parts of the Western Cape, challenging the ANC’s traditional dominance.
Critics, however, argue that the party’s rhetoric masks a nostalgia‑driven agenda that leans heavily on the liberation struggle’s symbolism. Regardless, the MK Party’s rise has forced the ruling ANC to recalibrate its campaign strategy ahead of the 2026 national elections.
The New Deputy President Appointment
During the briefing, Zuma explained why the party needed a second deputy: “John Hlophe has to concentrate on parliamentary work and legal battles; he can’t also manage the day‑to‑day operations at our headquarters.” By adding Yengeni, Zuma said the party could “strengthen the work of our party because we are looking forward, not backward.”
Yengeni, a former ANC chief whip who left the party after a bitter fallout with Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula, accepted the role with a stirring declaration: “The MK Party is the only organisation that I see has the potential to truly liberate the people of South Africa.” He also invoked his exile days, pointing to a bond forged in prisons and underground cells that still guides his political compass.
Reactions from Key Figures
John Hlophe, the First Deputy President and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, welcomed the appointment, saying it would allow him to “focus fully on parliamentary oversight without being distracted by office administration.”
The ANC’s spokesperson, Nomvula Dlamini, called the move “a desperate attempt to steal former ANC talent,” and warned that Yengeni’s switch could deepen internal fractures within the ruling party.
Political analyst Prof. Thabo Mokoena of the University of Pretoria noted, “Yengeni’s defection is symbolic. He brings a blend of legislative experience and revolutionary credentials that could make the MK Party a serious contender, especially in provinces where ANC loyalty is eroding.”
Legal Context: Zuma’s Court Order
The timing of the appointment is impossible to ignore. On October 22, 2025, the High Court of South Africa ordered Zuma to repay R28.9 million after it found he had misused state funds to cover private legal fees. The judgment, handed down by Justice Miriam Nkosi, emphasized that “public funds must not be diverted for personal legal battles.”
Zuma framed the new leadership structure as a safeguard against his advancing age, telling reporters, “Another leader who will also be with us all the time… because I am sure you all know about my advanced age.” He added that Yengeni’s appointment was part of a “long‑term plan to take the mountain, not look at the other side of it.”
Political Implications and Future Outlook
With the MK Party now fielding a three‑tier leadership—Zuma as President, Hlophe as First Deputy, and Yengeni as Second Deputy—the opposition is poised to project a more organized front in the upcoming municipal and national elections. The party’s internal restructuring also sends a clear signal to potential defectors: there’s room at the top for seasoned politicians seeking a fresh platform.
For the ANC, Yengeni’s loss is a stark reminder of its own internal turmoil. Since Cyril Ramaphosa’s ascent to the presidency in 2018, the party has seen a spate of high‑profile resignations, from former finance minister Des van Rooyen to veteran educator Naledi Chirwa. The loss of Yengeni, a former chief whip with deep parliamentary knowledge, could weaken the ANC’s legislative maneuverability, especially if the MK Party starts to siphon votes in swing constituencies.
International observers, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have noted the fluidity of South Africa’s political landscape, suggesting that “the emergence of new power blocs could either invigorate democratic competition or fragment the opposition if not managed carefully.”
Historical Perspective on Defections
South Africa’s post‑apartheid era is littered with high‑profile party switches. In the early 2000s, former ANC members formed the United Democratic Movement, while more recent years have seen the rise of parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters, founded by expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema. Yengeni’s move follows this pattern, yet it is unique because he joins a party that bears the name of the ANC’s former armed wing, effectively turning a liberation legacy against its original political home.
History suggests such defections can be double‑edged. While they may bring fresh legitimacy to fledgling parties, they also risk alienating core supporters who view loyalty as a cornerstone of South African politics. Whether the MK Party can navigate this delicate balance remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Tony Yengeni’s appointment affect the MK Party’s electoral chances?
Yengeni brings parliamentary experience and a reputation as a stalwart of the anti‑apartheid struggle, which could attract voters disillusioned with the ANC. Analysts expect his presence to boost the party’s standing in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, where former ANC strongholds are waning.
What does the new Second Deputy President role entail?
The role is designed to oversee day‑to‑day party administration, coordinate regional branches, and support policy development, freeing John Hlophe to concentrate on his duties in the National Assembly and legal affairs.
Why did the High Court order Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million?
The court found that state funds were improperly allocated to cover Zuma’s private legal costs during his corruption trial. Justice Miriam Nkosi ruled the misuse violated public‑funds regulations, mandating full restitution.
Will the ANC’s internal conflicts intensify after Yengeni’s defection?
The departure adds pressure to an already fragmented ANC. factions aligned with former Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula may push for reforms, while loyalists to President Cyril Ramaphosa risk a further erosion of parliamentary cohesion.
What are the next steps for the MK Party ahead of the 2026 elections?
The party plans a nationwide roadshow, targeting swing provinces, and will unveil a policy platform focused on land reform, youth employment, and anti‑corruption measures. The new leadership trio will also seek alliances with smaller opposition groups.
Naveen Joshi
October 24, 2025 AT 00:02Wow Zuma keeps shaking the political tree
Gaurav Bhujade
October 29, 2025 AT 17:22Zuma’s move to add a second deputy seems timed to deflect the recent court‑order fallout while signalling internal stability within the MK Party.
Chandrajyoti Singh
November 4, 2025 AT 10:42In the broader context of South African party dynamics, this appointment may serve as both a strategic redistribution of operational duties and a symbolic gesture toward veteran legislators seeking renewed influence.
Riya Patil
November 10, 2025 AT 04:02The drama of watching a former chief whip step onto a stage named after the liberation struggle feels like history looping back on itself, a theatrical rebirth that could either inspire supporters or alienate purists.
naveen krishna
November 15, 2025 AT 21:22Looks like a solid team‑up, hope they can keep the party machine humming 😃
Disha Haloi
November 21, 2025 AT 14:42The emergence of the MK Party as a genuine contender is no accident; it reflects a deep‑seated fatigue with the ANC’s long‑standing hegemony. Zuma, despite his legal baggage, still commands a loyal base that sees him as a bulwark against corruption. By appointing Yengeni, a figure with both legislative experience and revolutionary credentials, the party is signaling a bridge between the old guard and a younger electorate hungry for change. This move also underlines a tactical shift: rather than merely opposing the ANC, the MK Party is positioning itself as a viable governing alternative. Critics will argue that it is merely a re‑branding of old power structures, but the inclusion of seasoned politicians can lend credibility to policy proposals that have long been dismissed as populist rhetoric. Moreover, the timing after the court’s repayment order suggests a calculated distraction, a way to refocus public attention on party growth rather than personal liabilities. The new Second Deputy role is more than an administrative tweak; it restructures the leadership to handle both parliamentary pressure and grassroots mobilisation. If Yengeni can leverage his past networks within the liberation movement, the MK Party could tap into a reservoir of nostalgia‑driven support that the ANC has struggled to retain. At the same time, internal cohesion will be tested as former ANC loyalists adapt to a new hierarchy. The key will be whether the party can translate this leadership reshuffle into concrete policy platforms that address land reform, unemployment, and corruption. Should they succeed, the 2026 elections may see a fragmented opposition that ultimately strengthens democratic competition. If not, the party risks being labeled as a splinter group with no real governing capacity. Either way, the political chessboard in South Africa has just added a new, potentially powerful piece.
Mariana Filgueira Risso
November 27, 2025 AT 08:02From an organizational perspective, assigning Yengeni to oversee day‑to‑day operations should free Hlophe to focus on legislative oversight, which could improve the party’s parliamentary performance.
Dinesh Kumar
December 3, 2025 AT 01:22Optimistically, this could mean smoother policy rollout and a clearer message to voters that the MK Party is serious about delivering on its promises.
Hari Krishnan H
December 8, 2025 AT 18:42Honestly, if they can keep the internal squabbles under control, this trio might just give the ANC a run for its money.