MK Party suspends Hlophe, invalidates Van Rooyen's chief whip appointment
THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party's first deputy president Dr John Hlophe (left), who was on Wednesday put on precautionary suspension by President Jacob Zuma following his return from a trip to Burkina Faso. The party, last month, unveiled Tony Yengeni (right) as its new second deputy president during a media briefing in Durban.
Image: SIBONELO NGCOBO Independent Media
THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Des Van Rooyen's appointment as the party's Chief Whip has been invalidated in less than 24 hours following the announcement of his ascension in the National Assembly, marking the shortest stint, even for his record in public office.
Van Rooyen was announced as the new Chief Whip on Tuesday. The party has also suspended its Deputy President and Leader of the MKP parliamentary caucus, Dr John Hlophe, with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into his conduct. Van Rooyen gained the unenviable moniker of "weekend special" in 2015 when former President Jacob Zuma appointed him as Finance Minister, only for him to be removed from the position in four days.
Colleen Makhubele has retained her position as Chief Whip. The announcement was made late on Wednesday night.
Hlophe's suspension follows Zuma’s return from a trip to Burkina Faso, where he met with the country's head of state Ibrahim Traore, after which he met with MKP national officials and was briefed about changes implemented in the National Assembly without wider consultation.
THE perpetual musical chairs at uMkhonto weSizwe Party see Collen Makhubele back at her position as the party's Chief Whip, less than 24 hours after her removal.
Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Newspapers
“The President has taken the decision to issue a precautionary suspension to the Party’s Deputy President and the Leader of the MKP Parliament Caucus, Dr John Hlophe, from both his leadership roles with immediate effect, pending a full investigation on his conduct,” the party said in a statement.
The MKP said the decision is intended to reaffirm and send a strong signal regarding the principle of collective leadership across all structures within the party.
“Consequently, the decision taken by Dr Hlophe to remove Comrade Colleen Makhubele and appoint Comrade Des Van Rooyen is therefore nullified.”
“The leadership of the MKP remains firmly united and committed to upholding the principles of discipline, accountability and collective decision-making as enshrined in the Party Constitution.”
The party added that the decision should be viewed as a demonstration of the organisation’s unwavering commitment to internal discipline and collective leadership.
“The MKP wishes to assure all its members, supporters and the broader South African public that the organisation remains stable, focused and steadfast in pursuing its mission to bring about genuine transformation and justice for the people of South Africa.”
THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Des Van Rooyen whose appointment as Chief Whip has been nullified less than 24 hours after the announcement by the party. Colleen Makhubele retains her position as Chief Whip.
Image: PHANDO JIKELO Parliament of SA
Earlier on Wednesday, IOL reported that the MKP had removed its Chief Whip in Parliament, Makhubele, replacing her immediately with Van Rooyen.
The party’s official statement did not provide reasons for Makhubele’s dismissal.
A senior party insider said that the decision followed an internal report recommending her suspension.
A report had also claimed that Makhubele had failed a parliamentary vetting process for the Intelligence Portfolio Committee. Makhubele did not respond to multiple requests for comment.Another MKP staff member who had been put on suspension, Vanessa Calvert, the chief of staff, confirmed on Wednesday that she had resumed her role.
Recently, the MKP unveiled ANC veteran Tony Yengeni as the second deputy president of the party. - simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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