After a thorough investigation into allegations, Dr John Hlophe is reinstated to his leadership positions in the MK Party.
Image: File picture
The reinstatement of John Hlophe as First Deputy President and parliamentary leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has sparked speculation about internal dynamics, but insiders insist the move is unrelated to recent leadership changes.
A party source said Hlophe had been on suspension for several months but remained an active member of the organisation throughout that period.
The insider dismissed suggestions that his return was linked to the departure of former chief whip Colleen Makhubele, who recently left Parliament and took up a role in broadcasting.
“Colleen left for her own personal reasons. His return has nothing to do with that,” the source said.
Hlophe had been suspended after unilaterally removing Makhubele as chief whip and appointing Des van Rooyen in her place, a decision later overturned by party leadership.
The suspension followed the return of party leader Jacob Zuma from a trip to Burkina Faso, where he had been promoting South Africa’s interests. Upon his return, Zuma convened a meeting with senior officials and was briefed on decisions taken in the National Assembly without broader consultation.
Party leadership subsequently nullified Hlophe’s decision, stressing the importance of discipline, accountability and collective decision-making in line with the party’s constitution.
MK Party Head of the Presidency Magasela Mzobe said at the time that the suspension was not intended as a permanent removal but rather a cooling-off measure.
“The suspension was intended to calm the situation and allow the president to fully apply his mind to the circumstances that led to that drastic decision,” Mzobe said.
“He remains a member of Parliament. He remains the first deputy president of MK.”
Hlophe’s reinstatement was confirmed this week in a circular to party members. The party said Zuma had appointed an independent legal panel to investigate the matter before making a final decision.
“Following this process, the President held a bilateral meeting with Dr Hlophe, during which the allegations were thoroughly discussed,” the statement read.
“After considering the outcomes, President Zuma has decided to immediately reinstate Dr Hlophe as both the First Deputy President and the Party Leader in Parliament.”
The party also thanked van Rooyen for serving as acting parliamentary leader during the interim period.
However, questions remain about the findings of the independent panel, with insiders saying details have not yet been shared internally.
“We will wait to be formally briefed on what transpired with the investigation,” the source said.
The reinstatement comes amid ongoing leadership changes within the MK Party. Since its formation, the party has undergone repeated reshuffles across key positions, including secretary-general, deputy secretary-general, treasurer-general and chief whip.
More than a dozen Members of Parliament have reportedly been removed, with some challenging their dismissals in court.
Recent changes saw Sibonelo Nomvalo appointed as secretary-general, replacing Bongani Mncwango, making him the party’s eighth person to hold the position in under two years.
Party chairperson Nathi Nhleko said the reshuffles form part of efforts to strengthen organisational capacity and align the party ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
“He is charged to serve as the centre of organisational management and ensure the smooth operation of the party’s initiatives while maintaining its structural integrity,” Nhleko said.
Provincial structures have also been reconfigured, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, as the party seeks to consolidate its operations.
While the frequent changes have raised questions about internal stability, insiders maintain that the organisation remains focused on building its structures and preparing for upcoming electoral contests.
karabo.ngoepe@inl.co.za