Political turmoil in MK Party as MPs demand Colleen Makhubele's removal
Image: X
Internal divisions are brewing within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caucus in Parliament, as several Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for the immediate removal of newly appointed chief whip Colleen Makhubele.
Makhubele, who took office at the end of May, is accused by some MPs of making unilateral and undemocratic decisions, betraying party ideology - particularly in relation to her stance on Israel - and demonstrating poor leadership.
In a letter addressed to party president Jacob Zuma, the dissenting MPs argue that her leadership threatens party unity and describe her as a 'political novice and newcomer.'
The letter also states that since taking over from former chief whip Mzwanele Manyi, Makhubele's conduct has alienated members of the caucus.
Makhubele, the former speaker of the City of Johannesburg, joined the MK Party in August 2024 after stints in the Congress of the People (COPE) and the short-lived South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA), which she founded.
IOL News previously reported that MK Party's deputy chief whip, Muzi Ntshingila, confirmed Makhubele's appointment and expressed support from some quarters of the caucus.
The announcement, which first circulated in internal party WhatsApp groups, was later confirmed by Ntshingila to IOL.
'Please be informed that Hon. Mzwanele Manyi has been relieved of his duties as chief whip with immediate effect. We thank him for his service and dedication to the MK Party and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,' read the message.
'We are pleased to announce that Hon. Colleen Makhubele has been appointed as the new chief whip of the MK Party. We are confident that she will lead with strength and vision as we continue to advance our collective mission,' it continued.
Manyi, who joined the MK Party in August 2024 after defecting from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), faced criticism from some senior party officials, who accused him of arrogance and failing to represent the caucus effectively.
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'His arrogance finally caused him to fall on his sword. He fails to listen and protect his caucus and wants to shine in the media alone and not give anyone a chance,' one senior party official told IOL.
Makhubele's appointment marks another leadership shake-up in the MK Party, which has been plagued by internal divisions.
Just weeks ago, the party removed its former secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, after a controversial and turbulent tenure.
Shivambu, who also defected from the EFF, was accused of misconduct, including an unauthorised trip to Malawi to meet fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri.
Although initially expected to represent the party in Parliament, his name was omitted from the final list of sworn-in MPs.
Some members said Shivambu's rapid rise - from national organiser to secretary-general - was met with resistance.
Despite his close ties to Zuma, his leadership was dogged by infighting, which ultimately led to his removal. Shivambu has since announced plans to start his own political party.
IOL News has reached for comment.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
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Political turmoil in MK Party as MPs demand Colleen Makhubele's removal
MK Party chief whip, Collen Makhubele faces internal backlash from the party's MPs calling for her removal. Image: X Internal divisions are brewing within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caucus in Parliament, as several Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for the immediate removal of newly appointed chief whip Colleen Makhubele. Makhubele, who took office at the end of May, is accused by some MPs of making unilateral and undemocratic decisions, betraying party ideology - particularly in relation to her stance on Israel - and demonstrating poor leadership. In a letter addressed to party president Jacob Zuma, the dissenting MPs argue that her leadership threatens party unity and describe her as a 'political novice and newcomer.' The letter also states that since taking over from former chief whip Mzwanele Manyi, Makhubele's conduct has alienated members of the caucus. Makhubele, the former speaker of the City of Johannesburg, joined the MK Party in August 2024 after stints in the Congress of the People (COPE) and the short-lived South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA), which she founded. IOL News previously reported that MK Party's deputy chief whip, Muzi Ntshingila, confirmed Makhubele's appointment and expressed support from some quarters of the caucus. The announcement, which first circulated in internal party WhatsApp groups, was later confirmed by Ntshingila to IOL. 'Please be informed that Hon. Mzwanele Manyi has been relieved of his duties as chief whip with immediate effect. We thank him for his service and dedication to the MK Party and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,' read the message. 'We are pleased to announce that Hon. Colleen Makhubele has been appointed as the new chief whip of the MK Party. We are confident that she will lead with strength and vision as we continue to advance our collective mission,' it continued. Manyi, who joined the MK Party in August 2024 after defecting from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), faced criticism from some senior party officials, who accused him of arrogance and failing to represent the caucus effectively. 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 'His arrogance finally caused him to fall on his sword. He fails to listen and protect his caucus and wants to shine in the media alone and not give anyone a chance,' one senior party official told IOL. Makhubele's appointment marks another leadership shake-up in the MK Party, which has been plagued by internal divisions. Just weeks ago, the party removed its former secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, after a controversial and turbulent tenure. Shivambu, who also defected from the EFF, was accused of misconduct, including an unauthorised trip to Malawi to meet fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. Although initially expected to represent the party in Parliament, his name was omitted from the final list of sworn-in MPs. Some members said Shivambu's rapid rise - from national organiser to secretary-general - was met with resistance. Despite his close ties to Zuma, his leadership was dogged by infighting, which ultimately led to his removal. Shivambu has since announced plans to start his own political party. IOL News has reached for comment. IOL Politics
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