Advocate Dali Mpofu SC (Oupa Nkosi)
Dali Mpofu, the latest high profile Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) official to defect to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, is set to become a member of its high command, the executive structure that runs the organisation.
Despite speculation in party circles that Mpofu could replace fellow EFF defector Floyd Shivambu as MK national organiser, its leadership says he will not because this would mean that he would have to terminate his mandate as forJacob Zuma’s lawyer in his long-drawn-out arms deal case.
The national organiser job is a full-time position and is central to the process of building the party around the country — and to MK’s campaign for the local government elections in 2026.
MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed that Mpofu would join the national high command, but would not be appointed national organiser because he was busy at his legal practice.
“People are creative, he is not going to be national organiser, I’m saying this to you now,” Ndhlela insisted.
A senior member of the party had earlier told the Mail & Guardian that it looked as if “it is pointing there” for Mpofu to be appointed as the national organiser, but acknowledged that this would complicate his role as Zuma’s lawyer.
“If he is inside, as we think he is going to be, he will advise from the inside and still assist in managing the project and because this position is a position that requires you to be where the president is, he will always be closer at all times. Maybe they will delegate him to deal with the legal staff and advise the organisation,” they said.
“I also think because of the consequences that the president might need to find other lawyers, they might not want to put him as an organiser. They might need to find someone else to fill the vacancy.”
Another source close to the party leadership said this was a “very tricky situation” because of ethical considerations.
“Ideally [he is] not supposed to carry on with all other cases of MK as well,” the lawyer said.
There has also been speculation in the party that its deputy president, John Hlophe, might become involved in Zuma’s legal team. But the source said this was also highly unlikely because of Hlophe being an MP, adding: “He is a person that might advise and lead in parliament.”
Another party source said no formal discussions about who would become the national organiser had been held and that it was “very far from the truth” that Mpofu would replace Shivambu.
“I know he [Mpofu] can’t hold an official position and still [practise as a lawyer]. If he was to be an office bearer, I don’t think it’s allowed for him to represent Zuma,” they said.
Ndhlela also dismissed any suggestions that Hlophe would represent Zuma in any matter but added that the impeached judge could advise the party on legal issues.
Mpofu had not responded to text messages or calls from the M&G by the time of publication.