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Excluded MKP candidates demand expulsion of officials over lists

Published

At least 36 excluded MKP councillor candidates gathered in Durban on Tuesday. They accuse party officials of altering the candidate lists sent to the IEC, and say the steps the party has taken so far do not go far enough.

The candidates say officials altered and manipulated the lists submitted to the Electoral Commission. They say communities nominated and elected them in line with the party's constitution.

The MKP has removed two senior officials, Sibonelo Maphumulo and Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi, over the candidate submissions. It also relieved Secretary-General Sbonelo Nomvalo of his duties. Party members told the gathering they are not satisfied with these steps.

Sthembiso Lamjola spoke for the excluded candidates. He said: "Our position is that we wish those unlawful candidates to be dismissed and expelled from the organisation." He also said the will of the people has been compromised and jeopardised.

Key facts

Who
Sthembiso Lamjola (excluded councillor candidate for the MKP); Sibonelo Maphumulo (senior MKP official removed over candidate submissions); Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi (senior MKP official removed over candidate submissions); Sbonelo Nomvalo (MKP Secretary-General, relieved of duties)
What
Excluded MKP councillor candidates, gathered in Durban, demanded that officials accused of manipulating candidate lists be dismissed and expelled. The MKP had already removed two senior officials and relieved its Secretary-General of duties, but party members expressed dissatisfaction with these steps.
When
27 October 2026
Where
Durban
Status
Reported

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