Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has suspended its Deputy President and parliamentary caucus leader, Dr John Hlophe, with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into his conduct.
The announcement came late on Wednesday evening, shortly after Zuma’s return from a trip to Burkina Faso. Upon his return, the MKP leader met with national officials, who briefed him about leadership changes made in Parliament without broader consultation.
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“The President has taken the decision to issue a precautionary suspension to the Party’s Deputy President and the Leader of the MKP Parliament Caucus, Dr John Hlophe, from both his leadership roles with immediate effect, pending a full investigation on his conduct,” the party confirmed in a statement.
According to the MKP, the suspension aims to reinforce the principle of collective leadership across all levels of the organisation.
Jacob Zuma Nullifies John Hlophe’s Removal of Collen Makhubele
The MKP further announced that Hlophe’s decision to remove Comrade Collen Makhubele as Chief Whip and replace her with Comrade Des van Rooyen had been overturned.
“Consequently, the decision taken by Dr Hlophe to remove Comrade Collen Makhubele and appoint Comrade Des Van Rooyen is therefore nullified,” the party stated.
It added that the organisation remains “firmly united and committed to upholding the principles of discipline, accountability and collective decision-making as enshrined in the Party Constitution.”
The MKP described the move as a demonstration of its dedication to internal discipline and collective leadership, reassuring members and supporters that the party “remains stable, focused and steadfast in pursuing its mission to bring about genuine transformation and justice for the people of South Africa.”
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Reports of Internal Strife Over Makhubele’s Dismissal
Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that the MKP had dismissed its Chief Whip, Collen Makhubele, and immediately replaced her with Van Rooyen. The party’s official communication did not clarify the reasons behind Makhubele’s removal.
According to a senior party insider, her dismissal followed an internal report that recommended suspension.
“The internal report against Collen called for her suspension pending investigations. But we already had all the evidence – there was no need to investigate. The facts were there, and she had to go,” the insider claimed.
Makhubele allegedly attempted to secure an MKP service-provider contract worth over R180,000 per month for a company linked to her husband. The report also alleged she failed a parliamentary vetting process for the Intelligence Portfolio Committee. Makhubele did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
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Another insider claimed that MKP Chief of Staff Vanessa Calvert had been suspended after refusing to authorise the appointment of Makhubele’s husband’s company.
“Vanessa was suspended without charge for three months because of the fallout over the service provider and for refusing to give in to demands to appoint that company,” the source alleged.
Calvert confirmed on Wednesday that she had since resumed her role as MKP Chief of Staff.
Des van Rooyen—infamously known as the “weekend special” for his four-day tenure as Finance Minister—now becomes the MKP’s fourth Chief Whip in Parliament since the 2024 general election.
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