The MK Party (MKP) is gearing up for a legal showdown as it plans to appeal the Mpumalanga High Court’s decision to reinstate Mary Phadi as the party’s provincial convener. The court ruled that her dismissal violated the party’s constitution, but MKP argues the judgment was flawed.

In a strongly worded statement, MKP described the court’s ruling as a “gross miscarriage of justice.” The party claimed it was not served with legal papers, preventing it from filing an opposing affidavit or presenting its case.

“After retrieving the legal papers and consulting with our legal team, we have decided to appeal the decision. We are confident that once our case is heard, the judges will find that the interim order favoring Mary Phadi was based on misrepresented facts,” said the party.

Background of the Case

Mary Phadi, who leads the MKP in the Mpumalanga Legislature, was dismissed in November amid allegations of financial misconduct, list manipulation, and even involvement in an alleged assassination plot against General Tough Mdluli. She challenged her dismissal, leading to her court-ordered reinstatement.

General Mdluli, her rival and a prominent figure within MKP, had earlier filed a criminal case in August, alleging threats to his life and implicating Phadi. The party replaced Phadi with former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, a controversial appointment criticized for bypassing proper procedures.

Phadi argued in court that her dismissal was unconstitutional and that MKP had failed to follow its own internal processes. The court’s ruling temporarily reinstates her, putting Mkhwebane’s position on hold.

Party’s Stance

MKP maintains that Mkhwebane remains the legitimate convener, citing her appointment by former President Jacob Zuma as a testament to her leadership. “Commander Busisiwe Mkhwebane, as appointed and supported by President Zuma, remains the appointed Convener of Mpumalanga Province,” the party stated.

The party views the court order as interlocutory, indicating its belief that Phadi’s reinstatement is temporary pending her ultimate removal.

Anniversary Celebrations

Despite the legal turmoil, MKP will celebrate its first anniversary next week at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, showcasing its resilience amid internal disputes.

This appeal marks a pivotal moment for MKP as it seeks to resolve leadership disputes while navigating accusations of procedural irregularities and factional tensions.