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uMkhonto weSizwe Party members during a rally.
Mary Phadi is no longer the leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in Mpumalanga. The party has successfully challenged her reinstatement as the convenor and leader of the party in the province.
Phadi was expelled in October last year for alleged violation of the party’s constitution and misappropriation of party funds, among other charges. But the high court ordered that she be reinstated in December.
The MK Party challenged Phadi’s reinstatement in the High Court in Mbombela. It argued that the December order to reinstate her was a default ruling, and that Phadi was no longer a member of the party, but that they allowed her to continue with activities because of their respect for the court outcome.
The judge ruled in the party’s favour.
“The applicant is no longer a member of the respondent. It is declared that in terms of the constitution of South Africa, the applicant is no longer a dual mandate member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. The second respondent is directed to take all necessary steps with the removal of the applicant at the Mpumalanga Legislature,” said acting Judge Herman Fourie.
Phadi says she does not regret mobilising for the party.
She has vowed to respect the decision of the court.
“I am accepting the decision of the court and I am not hurt. I am saying that whatever I was doing, I was not doing for an individual. I was doing it for people of South Africa, hence I took a decision to work the ground. I was always on the ground and I encourage each member of uMkhoto weSizwe to find a direction to go,” says Phadi.
Some traditional leaders were in court to support Phadi. They were disappointed that the court ruled against her.
Meanwhile, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who was announced as Phadi’s replacement, has welcomed the outcome.
Phadi burnt the constitution of the MK Party to demonstrate her cutting of ties with the party.
