Dr John Hlope Reinstated As MK Party Deputy President and Parliamentary Leader After Suspension
- The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has officially made a decision regarding its First Deputy President, Dr John Hlope
- The party's new Secretary General, Sibonelo Nomvalo, confirmed in a circular that party president Jacob Zuma made the decision
- Dr Hlope was previously placed on precautionary suspension for unconsulted leadership changes in November 2025
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – Dr John Hlope has been reinstated as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s First Deputy President and Parliamentary Leader.
Hlope was placed on ‘precautionary suspension’ by party leader Jacob Zuma in November 2025. The decision was made after he removed Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele and replaced her with Des van Rooyen, without consulting Zuma.
Van Rooyen was appointed to the position on the evening of Tuesday, 4 November 2025, replacing Colleen Makhubele. Makhubele, who replaced Mzwanele Manyi as chief whip in May 2025, was removed without an official reason being given. She was reinstated to the post less than 24 hours later, with party leader Jacob Zuma reversing the decision to replace her with van Rooyen.
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When was Hlope reinstated?
On 18 March 2026, the party released a statement in which the new Secretary General, Sibonelo Nomvalo, confirmed the decision, saying that Hlophe ‘resumed his duties with immediate effect’.
Nomvalo confirmed that the decision followed an internal process triggered by Hlophe’s suspension. He added that, in addition to the investigation, direct engagement was held with Hlophe.
“A bilateral meeting was held with Dr Hlophe in which all the allegations were ventilated at length.”
An independent legal panel was appointed to probe the matter, and while the findings of the investigation have not been released, Hlope has resumed his duties. Nomvalo confirmed that after all these engagements, the party president made a decision to immediately reinstate Dr Hlophe.
South Africans weigh in on Dr Hlope’s reinstatement
Social media users weighed in on the latest development in the party, sharing mixed reactions to it.
Zola Nkwalase said:
“Chippa United in political games.”
Lesufi Lesufi stated:
“This party is a big joke.”
Ta Izzy suggested:
“Now we know why Colleen Makhubela decided to leave.”
Bongani Baba said:
“I think this is a great move which will revive the spirit of the Party.”
Ntai Mokhitli Mokhitli added:
“A weekly comedy if you ask me.”
Sydney Campbell agreed:
“The blind leading the blind.”
Fanie Fanie Fanie suggested:
“The MK is playing around with Doctor Hlophe and will soon chuck him out as usual.”
MK Party explains decision to remove van Rooyen from post
Briefly News reported that Magasela Mzobe weighed in on the MK Party's decision to remove van Rooyen as Chief Whip.
Van Rooyen, who replaced Makhubele, was removed less than 24 hours later by party leader Jacob Zuma.
South Africans weighed in on the statement by the MK Party's Head of Presidency, sharing amusing reactions to it
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Source: Briefly News
