Newly appointed uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, Mervyn Dirks, aims to ensure that the party will be ready to take over the governance of the province, “soon”.

Dirks said the party will soon take over the provincial government, which is currently led by the government of provincial unity under the IFP, DA, ANC, and the NFP.

Political analysts said Dirks was a strong candidate and was the ideal person to build bridges with the other political parties that could allow for the party to challenge for power in the province.

The MKP, which is the largest party in KZN has vowed to take over the provincial government, arguing that it was unheard of that the party that got the most votes is not leading the provincial government. The party has vowed to be in charge by the time the new provincial budget is tabled in April this year.

Dirks, who was once an ANC MP, is a close ally of MKP leader and former President of the country Jacob Zuma and has been appointed as the party’s new Chief Whip in the provincial legislature.

The MKP announced yesterday that Dirks will now take over as the new Chief Whip of the Party replacing Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa.

The change comes after another leadership 'shake-up' within the MKP that saw three of its leaders in the province suspended.

Mbanjwa was suspended last week along with other members, including Thobani Zuma and Sfiso Zuma, amid accusations of violating the party's constitution.

In the letter announcing the suspension last week, MKP said Mbanjwa, would be suspended with immediate effect from that position as well as a member of the legislature (MPL) pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.

Party sources alleged that the three were suspended for various allegations, including the failure to hand over party records to the convener Willies Mchunu and allegations of missing party funds.

The suspension is said to have triggered a mini revolt among some MKP members. A group of them gathered outside President Zuma's home in Nkandla last week to protest the decision.

Dirks told The Mercury yesterday that the party’s priority was to take over the province. "There is no promotion or demotion in uMkhonto weSizwe. I have simply been given a task that I should perform.

"As chief whip of uMkhonto weSizwe in the legislature, I will ensure that the MK Party becomes an effective opposition in the legislature in preparation to govern the province soon. I will ensure that all MK MPLs become the best public representatives serving the people. We will not rest until our people enjoy economic benefits in order to improve their lives."

In the letter announcing Dirks' appointment, the MKP stated: "Commander Dirks is a seasoned and experienced politician having served in the Legislature and the National Parliament during its 5th and 6th terms respectively. He has dedicated his years from youth as an activist and has selflessly served uMkhonto weSizwe Party, particularly in the uMgungundlovu District.

"The MK Party has full confidence in Commander Dirks and trusts he will execute his responsibilities with precision and the utmost diligence. We wish Commander Dirks well as he picks up his spear and assumes this important role on behalf of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature," the letter said.

Political analyst Musa Xulu said Dirks was a strong leader of the MK Party.

“He is also a strong personal supporter of Mr Zuma. Currently, he could be the Chief Whip for the opposition. However, if he becomes the Chief Whip to link the legislature with government and other stakeholders, that could mean a door in power for the KZN MKP."

Another political analyst, Siyabonga Ntombela, commented, "My reading of this protest outside Mr Zuma's house probably has to do with the expulsion of three Provincial legislature MKP members, namely: Dr Mbanjwa, Zuma, and Sfiso Zuma.

“It is no surprise that the KZN Provincial Legislature Chief Whip is ousted and Mr Dirks is appointed to take the wheel. With Mr Dirks' experience as the former Chief Whip of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), he brings in experience of local and provincial government politics. He was also a deputy mayor of Msunduzi Municipality. The MKP is trying to find people who will deliver on the party's mandate and will honour their appointments with hard work and blind loyalty to the party leader Mr Jacob Zuma."

THE MERCURY