Mzwanele Manyi says fallout with Hlophe not the reason behind MKP axing him as chief whip
Image: Chris Collingridge/Independent Newspapers
Axed Umkhonto weSizwe Party parliament chief whip Mzwanele Manyi said his rift with the party's caucus leader Dr John Hlophe was not behind his removal from the senior party position.
The MKP announced that Manyi was removed as a chief whip on Tuesday to be replaced by Colleen Makhubele, with party sources saying this was the outcome of conflict that had developed during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year.
Manyi reportedly coerced Hlophe to deliver a speech Manyi had given him at the last minute instead of the one Hlophe had prepared. Hlophe, as the official opposition leader was responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa SONA speech. Manyi was alleged to have told Hlophe that the speech was from party founder, Jacob Zuma, however, after it emerged later that Zuma was unaware of the speech and Hlophe was reportedly furious and confronted Manyi in a caucus meeting.
On Wednesday Manyi denied claims of a fallout with Hlophe, saying that it would be difficult to reach that conclusion and this was not the reason provided by the party for his removal.
'I do not believe that my removal had anything to do with what happened during the SONA. My relationship with Hlophe as our caucus leader is fine. We talk a lot so I can't say he removed me for that. I will continue with my role as ordinary MP so there is no big deal in my removal. This was just an administrative role,' said Manyi.
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 ✕
He said his removal as chief whip will not affect his political standing in the party since the position is an administrative role, adding that he still has a good relationship with Zuma and remains spokesperson of the Jacob Zuma Foundation.
However, a senior MKP member in KwaZulu-Natal, who is close to Zuma, said more significant changes are coming as Zuma has returned to the country after a trip to China.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said although Hlophe had written to Manyi informing him that he was no longer chief whip, this would not have happened without Zuma's approval.
'This is not the end of the shake up, in fact it is the beginning since the president (Zuma) had indicated that he would announce big changes when he comes back from overseas. In a couple of days you will hear a big political announcement by the MKP and people will be shocked,' said the source.
Manyi's removal shocked many as he had been close to Zuma before the establishment of the MKP. Zuma entrusted him with the position of spokesperson of his foundation while Manyi was still with the ATM and Manyi continued with this role even after joining EFF.
He dumped the EFF in August last year for the MKP and was immediately appointed chief whip, replacing the former party secretary Sihle Ngubane.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
General Rudzani Maphwanya cleared following controversial Iran trip
General Rudzani Maphwanya has been cleared after he came under fire for his recent trip to Iran. Image: Jaques Naude / Independent Newspapers The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has cleared its chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, of any wrongdoing following his recent controversial trip to Iran. Maphwanya had faced scrutiny for suggesting common goals between South Africa and Iran, and for criticising Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict. This controversy arose against a backdrop of existing strain in South Africa's relationships with key democratic allies, especially the United States. The US has sought clarification from South Africa regarding Maphwanya's visit. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that issues were discussed during a Tuesday evening call between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. 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 ✕ However, it was not clear if the Iran visit was discussed. The Department of Defence, through its spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, issued a statement clarifying that General Maphwanya's official visit to Iran was a long-scheduled engagement, initially planned for 2024 but postponed to 2025. The visit received prior authorisation from the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. 'Upon his return, General Maphwanya provided a comprehensive report to the minister, addressing the public interest surrounding his trip,' Dlamini said. The department stated that Maphwanya engaged in bilateral discussions with Iranian officials on matters of mutual interest. While the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, issued a statement on the discussions, General Maphwanya reported that he did not speak to media houses in either Iran or South Africa, respecting the confidentiality of the discussions. 'The minister was satisfied with the general's report in their engagement on the visit. The Department of Defence will not be commenting further on the matter,' Dlamini said. A senior member within the department, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that General Maphwanya has been cleared. The source suggested that the controversy surrounding the Iran trip was largely fuelled by detractors within the department, who were aware of the general's impending retirement. 'I can tell you now that there is not anything that will happen to the general now… there was a lot of anticipation in the office that he could have been in trouble, but he explained himself and gave a report that explained the whole situation,' the source stated. The source added: 'The general is going on pension soon and his detractors have been peddling rumours about him in the office… but they have since been proven wrong… The general has his fair share of enemies because of his hard handedness in his office operations.' The Department of Defence had previously maintained that matters of South Africa's foreign policy and international relations are the sole prerogative of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). DIRCO had also weighed in, distancing itself from the SANDF chief's visit. The DA had also asked the SANDF to act against Maphwanya's remarks, saying that they went beyond military-to-military discussions and entered the realm of foreign policy, calling his remarks reckless and grandstanding. 'The DA is outraged that the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, used an official visit to Tehran this week to engage in blatant political diplomacy far outside his constitutional and professional mandate… this reckless grandstanding comes at a time when South Africa's relations with key democratic partners, especially the United States, are already under severe strain,' the DA's Chris Hattingh had said. Meanwhile, the EFF has rejected the US' interference in South Africa's relations with Iran. In a statement on Thursday, the Red Berets stated that South Africa is an independent nation and reserves the right to pursue trade, economic, diplomatic, and military relations with whomever it deems fit, including Iran. 'The EFF notes the recent reports that the United States government has expressed 'great concern' and is demanding clarity from South Africa regarding the visit by Maphwanya to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression
Ambassador Wu Peng reflected on the legacy of the anti-fascist war during a ceremony to commemorate the 80th victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war is commemorated to draw lessons from history, inspire people's longing for peace, and unite in a shared commitment to defend peace. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng conveyed this key message during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister Njabulo Bheka Nzuza, among others. In sharing a message of support, Minister of Small Business Development, Ndabeni-Abrahams, stated that South Africans draw inspiration from China's legacy, citing President Xi Jinping's phrase that history shows justice prevails over oppression. 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 ✕ She emphasised that South Africa values its relationship with China, its largest trading partner in sectors like energy and manufacturing. Reflecting on the past, Wu noted that 80 years ago, people worldwide united against a common enemy, fighting bravely to achieve a significant victory in the anti-fascist war. He highlighted the war's devastating impact, affecting two billion people and resulting in over 100 million casualties. "The ultimate downfall of fascism is proof that justice always triumphs over evil, light always prevails over darkness, and progressive strength always wins against reactionary forces," he said. He noted that China played a pivotal role in the world anti-fascist war, with the Chinese People's war of resistance against Japanese aggression starting early, lasting longest, and incurring immense sacrifices. From 1931 to 1945, China endured 14 years of struggle, suffering over 35 million casualties and nearly $600 billion in economic losses, he said. "The Chinese people pinned down and resisted the main forces of Japanese militarism for an extended period, eliminating over 1.5 million Japanese troops, accounting for over 70% of the total casualties of Japanese forces during World War II," Wu said. He stressed that China's efforts on the Asian battlefield significantly supported Allied Forces in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, contributing substantially to the global victory against fascism. "We commemorate history not to advocate hatred and war, but to learn from history, awaken people's aspirations for peace, and unite the powerful force of a shared commitment to and defense of peace," he said. The commemoration, he said, also aligns with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations' founding. The ambassador reiterated China's stance on Taiwan, stating that its reunification with China is an integral part of the World War II victory outcomes and the subsequent international order. He expressed gratitude to the South African government for its consistent support and commitment to the one-China policy.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Concerns rise as IEC delays E-Voting implementation in South Africa
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said E-Voting will not be implemented in South Africa any time soon. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers Some political parties in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature have welcomed the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) announcement that the much-awaited E-Voting system will not be applied in the next local government elections and the general elections. IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo announced on Thursday at the full sitting of the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg that the new system, which is used by many countries around the world, was not yet ready for use in South Africa. 'In the next local government elections (which will be in 2026 or 2027), we do not intend to implement electronic voting,' said Mamabolo. He said there were expectations that the online voting, which he said was expected to excite younger voters because of their access to technology, would start in the next elections. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading However, he said the IEC was still engaged in a policy discussion for E-Voting to initiate 'at some point in the future'. It was still not certain which year the local government elections would take place, as the current term of the councillors would end on November 1, 2026. Thereafter, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa would have 90 days to announce the election date. The IEC would meet five members from each party on Friday at the Edward Hotel in Durban to discuss the E-Voting policy document. Explaining the importance of E-Voting, IEC's provincial electoral officer, Ntombifuthi Masinga, said this was because of the changed political environment as a result of the increase in the number of election contestants, which had forced an increase in the size of the ballot paper. She said the IEC was still looking at what type of E-Voting would be suitable for the country. But she insisted that ballot papers would also be used where network connection is a problem. She said in preparation to launch the E-Voting, not any time soon, the IEC had commissioned the Human Science Research Council to conduct a study on the issues that would need to be taken into account when discussing using electronic voting. 'As witnessed in the 2024 elections, the ballot papers have become far too lengthy, and that has put a lot of demand in terms of the infrastructure that we need to produce ballot papers. 'If we want to entrench ourselves as a pre-eminent body in election management, there is no way that we can ignore accelerating transformation in the digital space and the kind of technology that we can introduce into the electoral environment to try and improve efficiencies at the voting station level,' said Masinga. She said the IEC had commissioned several studies to explore options of electronic voting since 2014, and made proposals in Parliament. 'We wanted to pilot on by-elections and see what comes out of it, but that was rejected at the time because of cost issues. 'But that does not mean we will stop as the IEC. We have been studying a lot of countries that have tried different modalities of electronic voting. At some point, we had a delegation of political parties that went to Namibia to observe how the electronic voting works,' said Masinga. She said the IEC felt that right now, the time was right to facilitate the discussion to introduce the technology, which she said would improve voting efficiency. However, DA MPL Timothy Brauteseth cautioned the IEC that E-Voting lacked a paper trail, which can be used to prove ballot-counting irregularities. 'Even in democracies where they use electronic voting, one of the big weaknesses is the lack of a paper trail. 'Even in the modern world, going old school is a good thing because if you are contesting results, with a paper-based trail, you can literally pull out a ballot and count again. 'With electronic voting, it is very, very difficult to find a paper trail,' said Brauteseth. uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP)'s Mphikeleli Mthethwa said E-Voting carries a risk of cybercrime, especially in South Africa, where the IEC had to investigate what went wrong after the 2024 elections. 'We are in a very critical time in South Africa right now, where we are almost changed in the political landscape. The timing of E-Voting would be very difficult for us to trust that it would be done in good faith. 'How then would you tell South Africans that we are on top of cybercrime when we are struggling with Home Affairs and cybercriminality that is happening there, in the banking industry, or anywhere, as we are just new in the internet world,' said Mthethwa. Another MKP MPL, Slindile Seme, warned that the technology would subject the country's elections to foreign interference. However, IFP MPL Bonginkosi Kunene said the country should embrace new technology. 'I want to caution the IEC on creating the perception that digitalisation is impossible if that is implemented. I recalled that when we first had cellphones, people were too scared that if you put it too close to your ears, it would interfere with your brain. 'We must embrace technology because it has become very efficient to handle things,' said Kunene.
