BREAKING NEWS: ANOTHER WEEKEND SPECIAL IN MK - MK Party Backtracks: Des Van Rooyen’s Whip Appointment Scrapped

The Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party made a swift U‑turn on Thursday, nullifying the appointment of former finance minister Des Van Rooyen as its parliamentary chief whip and suspending its deputy president, Dr John Hlophe, for acting without the party’s collective approval. In a statement released early Thursday morning, the party said Hlophe’s unilateral move to remove the incumbent chief whip, Colleen Makhubele, and install Van Rooyen was “nullified” because it violated the principle of collective leadership enshrined in the party constitution. “The decision taken by Dr Hlophe to remove Cde Collen Makhubele and appoint Cde Des Van Rooyen is therefore nullified,” the party declared.

Consequently, Van Rooyen has been reduced to an ordinary member of the National Assembly, while Hlophe has been placed on precautionary suspension from all his party positions – including his role as leader of the MK caucus in Parliament – pending a full investigation into his conduct. The controversy erupted during President Jacob Zuma’s recent trip to Burkina Faso. Upon his return, Zuma was briefed on the “changes effected at the National Assembly without a collective consultation,” prompting the party’s leadership to act swiftly to restore internal discipline. Party officials emphasized that the suspension and reversal of the whip appointment were meant to “send a strong message” that collective decision‑making is non‑negotiable. “This decision should be viewed as a demonstration of the Party’s unwavering commitment to internal party discipline and collective leadership,” the statement added.

The MK Party, formed in December 2023, has already weathered a revolving door of secretaries‑general and chief whips, with Makhubele being the third chief whip in just a few months. The latest shake‑up leaves the party’s parliamentary team in limbo as it prepares for the 2026 local elections. The party has promised a full investigation and a review of the suspension at its next national executive meeting. Observers will be watching closely to see whether this internal turmoil will settle or further destabilise the fledgling opposition force.