Zuma’s old ally Des Van Rooyen back in power as MK Chief Whip

Des van Rooyen

Cape Town – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has appointed former finance minister Des Van Rooyen as its new Chief Whip, replacing Colleen Makhubele, who had held the position since May.

Van Rooyen becomes the third person to occupy the role since the party entered Parliament after last year’s general election.

MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela described Van Rooyen as a “seasoned cadre” with extensive experience in politics and governance, saying his leadership will strengthen and discipline the party’s parliamentary caucus.

“His political career spans decades of service to the African liberation struggle, with a proven record of leadership at local, provincial and national levels.  He has served as a long-standing Member of Parliament, demonstrating both legislative expertise and a deep commitment to advancing the aspirations of the oppressed and marginalised,” Ndhlela said in a statement.

He expressed full confidence in him and thanked Makhubele for her service.

“The Parliamentary Caucus will be strengthened, disciplined and more strategically aligned with the Party’s historic mission of completing the total liberation of the South African people.  We thank Comrade Colleen Makhubele, the former chief whip, for her service in this role.

“The party assures its supporters and the broader public that the new leadership in Parliament will enrich the work of the Caucus, sharpen its political focus and enhance its ability to represent the will of the people without compromise,” Ndhlela said.

The appointment follows a recent restructuring within the MK Party’s leadership, which saw Tony Yengeni named as second deputy president alongside John Hlophe, as part of party leader Jacob Zuma’s efforts to expand the leadership team amid the party’s growing influence.

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