South Africa’s political landscape remains in flux this week following the expulsion of key figures from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, a high-level cabinet reshuffle request from the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the tragic murders of two local councillors. The events highlight deep-seated tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and growing concerns regarding the safety of public representatives ahead of the November 2026 local government elections.
Expulsions And Internal Party Divisions
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela were officially expelled from the organisation on 18 June 2026. The party leadership cited actions that allegedly undermined unity as the primary reason for the decision, effectively removing two prominent voices from its ranks.
Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg on 21 June 2026, Zuma-Sambudla maintained that she holds no animosity toward her father, former President Jacob Zuma, regarding the disciplinary outcome. Instead, she pointed to internal friction, stating:
I do blame the people around the leadership [of the party]. I, again, blame the people around him.
Violence During Voter Registration Weekend
The political sphere was further shaken by the deaths of two councillors who were murdered over the weekend of 20 to 21 June 2026. DA councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe and ANC councillor Scelo Mleve were killed during a period of critical voter registration activities, raising urgent concerns about candidate safety.
These killings occur as the country approaches a sensitive electoral window, where political discourse and local stability are being tested. Concurrently, the DA has initiated a move to alter its ministerial representation, having requested on 17 June 2026 that President Cyril Ramaphosa remove John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture. The party has proposed that Willie Aucamp take over the portfolio, signalling a further tightening of control over its executive appointments as the coalition government navigates ongoing policy and performance assessments.
Security agencies are expected to provide further updates on investigations into the councillors’ deaths as local elections draw nearer.