Colleen Makhubele replaces Manyi as MK Party Chief Whip

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The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has appointed Colleen Makhubele as the new chief whip of the party in parliament.

Makhubele takes over the reins from Mzwanele Manyi, who was the party’s chief whip for nine months.

MK PARTY APPOINTS MAKHUBELE AS NEW CHIEF WHIP

The party highlighted Makhubele’s experience and leadership as a contributing factor to her appointment.

“As a respected leader and seasoned parliamentarian, her appointment reflects the Party’s confidence in her ability to provide disciplined coordination, strengthen parliamentary oversight and champion the interests of our movement in the National Assembly,” the party said.

MK Party Deputy President John Hlophe, in a letter, relieved Manyi of his duties with immediate effect.

In the letter, he said: “I am writing to inform you that, with immediate effect, you are hereby relieved of your duties. This decision was made with careful consideration and in the interest of advancing the collective goals and objectives of our party.”

MANYI’S FALLOUT WITH HLOPHE REASON FOR HIS REMOVAL?

Speculations are suggesting that Manyi’s removal was due to an altercation between him and Hlophe.

In February this year, Manyi and Hlophe were at loggerheads over Hlophe’s SONA speech.

Manyi allegedly told Hlophe to discard his speech and take the one that was purportedly prepared by party leader Jacob Zuma.

However, it emerged that the speech was not prepared by Zuma, making Hlophe furious. He confronted Manyi, leading to an alleged physical altercation.

Manyi disputed that his removal was due to his fallout with Hlophe.

He explained, “I do not believe that my removal had anything to do with what happened during the SONA. My relationship with Hlophe as our caucus leader is fine. We talk a lot, so I can’t say he removed me for that. I will continue with my role as an ordinary MP, so there is no big deal in my removal.”

Manyi stated that he remains a party member and his relationship with Zuma will remain intact.

Additionally, he will continue to be the spokesperson of the Jacob Zuma Foundation which he was appointed while still with the EFF.

He joined the MK Party in August 2024, along with other EFF former members including Floyd Shivambu.

Manyi’s removal shocks many, given his long-standing, close ties with Zuma.

Manyi has consistently praised Zuma’s strategic thinking, likening it to a game of chess.

“Chess is a game of thinkers. Calmness is key, thinking is central, seeing the bigger picture is fundamental, and understanding the moves of your opponent is the main ingredient.”

“You can’t play chess if you are permanently angry, emotional and impulsive. MK Party is led by a thinker,” said Manyi when he joined the MK Party.