Tshabalala jumps ship

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Former ANC chief whip and Maluti-a-Phofung mayor Vusi Tshabalala’s move to dump ANC for the Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) political party has been described as a boost by members who have already joined the party.

The MK party officially welcomed Tshabalala at a gathering held at Thiboloha School Hall on December 21, 2024. The MK National High Commander, Julius Nsingwane, addressed the meeting with enthusiasm, emphasizing the party’s commitment to leadership and community service.

“I am here today to welcome leadership. With that being said, I still say the doors are open. What I say to you is come, community members, join the MK party if you want to serve the community and change the country. “Vusi Tshabalala is such a leader, a person who serves his community, so we welcome him to the MK,” Nsingwane said.

A vocal and active member of the MK party in Maluti-a-Phofung, Mpho ‘Scotch’ Sikhosana, expressed his excitement at Tshabalala’s arrival.

“As part of the provincial leadership, we welcome anyone who joins MK, irrespective of their status. Remember, in MKontho weSizwe, there is a saying: ‘Siyazizela, asibizwa,’ meaning in MK, we don’t headhunt, people come voluntarily, and we welcome them warmly.

“Politics is about numbers, and Vusi Tshabalala will make a huge impact in Maluti-a-Phofung. He is a strategist and a ground force. He thrives on engaging with communities rather than sitting in boardrooms, so his contribution will undoubtedly strengthen MK in Thabo Mofutsanyana as a whole.”

Vusi Tshabalala dancing on stage during an event welcoming him to the MK party.

Tshabalala himself echoed the sentiments of unity and service in his remarks to the media. “I am here to serve my community. I believe that I am not better than anybody else, and I will never be bigger than the MK party.

“All I want is for us to work together. With the upcoming local elections in 2026, I plan to bring numbers and draw support for MK, not only in Maluti-a-Phofung but across the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality as a whole.”

The MK party sees Tshabalala’s inclusion as a critical step toward achieving its electoral goals and enhancing its visibility and impact in the region.

As the political landscape gears up for the 2026 local elections, the MK’s growing influence in Maluti-a-Phofung and beyond could signal a transformative era in Thabo Mofutsanyana.