Cape Town – The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party has suspended its Deputy President and parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe, in a major internal shake-up.
The move, announced late Wednesday, also nullifies Hlophe’s recent appointment of Des van Rooyen as parliamentary chief whip, a position he gave after removing Colleen Makhubele earlier in the week.
Party president Jacob Zuma, who had been in Burkina Faso meeting with the country’s transitional leader Ibrahim Traore, was briefed on Hlophe’s actions upon his return.
Following this, the party’s leadership decided to suspend Hlophe, citing the need to reinforce collective leadership and internal discipline.
MK Party suspends its senior leader and a second in command Dr John Hlophe. He is accused of ill-discipline. What’s going on in the #MKParty ? pic.twitter.com/QHhzUfaalL
— Dealer (@Collen82241585) November 6, 2025
MK Party head of presidency Magasela Mzobe said the decision underscores the party’s commitment to unity and its constitutional principles.
“This decision is meant to affirm and send a strong message [about] the principle of collective leadership across all structures within the MK Party,” head of MK party presidency Magasela Mzobe stated.
He added : “This decision should be seen as a demonstration of the party’s unwavering commitment to internal party discipline and collective leadership.
The suspension comes shortly after Zuma appointed veteran ANC figure Tony Yengeni as MK’s second deputy president to assist Hlophe, whom Zuma had described as overburdened by his dual roles.
Despite the leadership turmoil, Mzobe assured members and the public that the MK Party remains “stable, focused, and steadfast” in its transformation mission.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
