The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has announced that its secretary-general Arthur Zwane is back at work with immediate effect, saying maintaining strong capacity, unity and continuity within the party’s ranks is more important than ever.

Reports of interference by party leader Jacob Zuma apparently led to Zwane’s immediate resignation earlier this month.

Zuma then appointed Menzi Magubane and Dr Sifiso Maseko as the new treasurer-general and secretary-general, respectively.

The party confirmed that Zuma has decided not to accept the resignation of Zwane.

“After receiving and carefully considering Comrade Zwane's resignation letter dated July 1, 2024, in which he cited an excessive workload from MKP and a desire to focus on private business, President Zuma has nonetheless decided not to accept the resignation,” the MKP said.

The party highlighted that the primary reason is that the MKP’s founding HUVO (strategic workshop) in Bela Bela outlined pivotal tasks essential for preparing the party for future challenges, particularly strengthening its organisational structures in preparation for the upcoming 2026 local government elections and beyond.

The MKP noted that its president and secretary-general met recently to finalise the details of Zwane's return to office.

It highlighted that to further strengthen its internal human capital, Maseko would be transferred to the human resources department within the party, “a key component in our efforts to enhance the operations of the organisation, particularly in establishing structures and offices throughout the country”.

The party said it looked forward to Zwane’s continued contributions to building a “strong, vibrant, and resilient” MKP, and to Maseko’s vital role in reinforcing the human resource arm of the party.

“Given the turbulent times our country is experiencing under the current Democratic Alliance-African National Congress coalition [DANC], and with all South Africans looking to the MKP for leadership, maintaining strong capacity, unity and continuity within our ranks is more important than ever,” it said.

The MKP called on all leaders, members and structures of the MKP, and South Africans to rally behind the party as it builds a “strong and resilient organisation, capable of protecting and enhancing” the gains made, which it believes the DANC coalition is working hard to reverse.

“As the official opposition party, we face an unprecedented task. Unlike any other official opposition party since 1994, we must, on behalf of the poor and downtrodden, ensure that this unholy and anti-black DANC coalition is held accountable for its aim to reverse the gains made thus far and its failures to address rampant unemployment, poverty, homelessness and landlessness, which continue to negatively affect the black people of this country,” MKP noted.