Mzwanele Manyi axed as MK party chief whip in Parliament
MK party chief whip Mzwanele Manyi has been removed from his position in parliament.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza announced Colleen Makhubele as the new chief whip of the MK party at the beginning of Tuesday's plenary session in which President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to answer questions in Parliament.
The Citizen has contacted MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlele and Manyi for comment. This will be included in the article once received.
Manyi fired
The announcement of Manyi's removal began circulating on MK Party WhatsApp groups, according to News24.
A party insider told the publication that the message was written by MK party Caucus leader John Hlophe and circulated in the MK Party's WhatsApp groups.
'I am writing to inform you that, with immediate effect, you are hereby relieved of your duties as the chief whip of the MK Party in the National Assembly, the message reads:
'This decision was made with careful consideration and in the interest of advancing the collective goals and objectives of our party.
'On behalf of the party leadership, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, hard work, and service in this demanding role,' the WhatsApp message read.
ALSO READ: MK party dispels alleged physical dispute between Hlophe and Manyi
Hlophe vs Manyi
In February, the MK Party denied reports of an alleged dispute between Hlophe and Manyi, with allegations that things became physical between the two.
Hlophe raised eyebrows after dedicating his entire State of the Nation Address (Sona) debate reply in Parliament praising MK party leader Jacob Zuma, including hailing him as the 'best president ever'.
However, Zuma was unhappy with the speeches delivered by MK Party MPs and confronted Hlophe about his speech.
Manyi's axing comes amid reports of a document that called for the restructuring of some MK party leadership positions.
ALSO READ: Zuma's MK party in turmoil as members allegedly threaten each other with guns
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Didiza defends parliamentary legal services amid Mkhwanazi inquiry scrutiny
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has emphasised that she has unequivocal confidence in the professionalism, competence, and integrity of Parliament's legal advisory services. Image: Supplied National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has come to the defence of the parliamentary legal services after it came under scrutiny in the Ad Hoc Committee inquiring into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This comes after members of the inquiry were unhappy with remarks made by a member of the legal team that the allegations made by Mkhwanazi were technically not evidence. The remarks have been used as one of the motivations by some MPs to call for the appointment of an external legal counsel to lead evidence in the inquiry. On Thursday, Didiza said she noted with concern certain remarks made during proceedings of the Ad Hoc Committee, questioning the competence and integrity of the legal team assigned to support the committee. She said she has unequivocal confidence in the professionalism, competence, and integrity of Parliament's legal advisory services. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Parliamentary legal advisers are not merely administrative staff members, they are all highly qualified, admitted legal practitioners, governed by the Legal Practice Act and accountable to professional bodies such as the Legal Practice Council. 'Their work is rooted in principles of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and the pursuit of justice in support of the constitutional mandate of Parliament.' In apparent reference to the affected legal team member, Didiza said Parliament was privileged to be served by one of the most experienced and competent legal teams in a wide and diverse array of legal expertise. She also said the drafting services and advice provided by the parliamentary legal services have passed the test under the most rigorous legal and constitutional scrutiny. The team has consistently guided the institution with credibility and authority. 'While Members of Parliament may, at times, find certain legal opinions unpalatable or may disagree with them, such opinions are nonetheless based on sound legal reasoning and are always intended to support both committees and the institution as a whole, to act within the framework of the Constitution and the law.' Didiza added that constructive engagement with legal advice was both natural and welcome in a democratic parliamentary setting. 'However, it is profoundly important to distinguish between debating the merits of advice and launching unjustified personal attacks on the integrity or competence of the legal professionals who provide it. 'To cast aspersions on these officers of the court for how they deliver their legal opinions or for their considered advice is not only unfair and unjust to the individuals concerned, but also poses a serious risk to the credibility of Parliament and the integrity of its processes, including those currently before the Ad Hoc Committee.'
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Didiza warns MPs: Respect legal advisers or risk undermining Parliament's credibility
Parliament's legal advisers, governed by strict ethical standards, deserve respect, says Speaker Didiza. She urges MPs to challenge legal opinions constructively, not through personal attacks that erode institutional trust. Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has come out strongly in defence of Parliament's legal advisory services following questions about their competence and integrity that were raised. ''Their work is rooted in principles of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and the pursuit of justice in support of the constitutional mandate of Parliament,'' Didiza said in a statement. This comes after remarks were made during proceedings of the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Didiza expressed concern over the nature of some of the comments made during the committee's sessions, describing them as unfair and potentially damaging to the institution's credibility. She said Parliament's legal advisers are not just support staff but are 'highly qualified, admitted legal practitioners, governed by the Legal Practice Act and accountable to professional bodies such as the Legal Practice Council.'
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
EFF slams Ramaphosa's ‘cowardly' reaction to SANDF general's Iran visit
Although South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran has drawn criticism, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has voiced support for the trip. Following the visit, the United States (US) asked South Africa for clarification on its policy, with the government insisting the trip was unauthorised. In response, the EFF slammed the US for its demand, rejecting what it described as the country's arrogance. The party also accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of behaving cowardly in response. The party maintained that South Africa is a sovereign nation free to pursue trade, economic, diplomatic, and military relations with any country. It argued that enemies of the US are not automatically enemies of South Africa. The party is also added that Iran is a member of BRICS. 'This particular engagement with Iran was planned well before current tensions, dating back to 2024, and cannot be dismissed on the basis of temporary geopolitical disputes between the US and Iran,' the party said. The EFF further criticised the US for its relations with Israel and Ukraine, accusing the country of hypocrisy. It pointed out that South Africa has never demanded explanations from the US over its own international dealings. The South African government was not spared from criticism either. The EFF said it was 'equally appalled' by the government's interference in the military's work. In a statement, the party suggested it was clear why Ramaphosa distanced himself from the visit, accusing him of downplaying the engagement with Iran to appease US President Donald Trump. 'This cowardly behaviour is consistent with what he displayed when he was in the Oval Office, unable to assert South Africa's independence in the face of imperial arrogance. Ramaphosa's actions expose a leadership that is timid and incapable of defending the dignity of our nation,' the EFF said. The party added that General Maphwanya should resist any attempts by politicians to control the army. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
