Zuma Fires His Deputy President Dr Hlophe

Pretoria, 6 November 2025 —The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), the party’s Deputy President and Parliamentary Caucus Leader, Dr John Hlophe, was suspended with immediate effect on Wednesday night in a decision announced by the party’s headquarters.


According to the statement approved by MKP head of presidency Magasela Mzobe, the suspension is a precautionary measure, pending a full investigation into Hlophe’s conduct; specifically, his unilateral attempt to dismiss the party’s Chief Whip in Parliament, Colleen Makhubele, and to install Des Van Rooyen in her stead, without prior consultation with party leadership.
EWN

⚠️ What triggered the decision

The MKP leadership accuses Hlophe of overstepping his authority: he is said to have removed Makhubele from her chief whip position and replaced her with Van Rooyen while the party leader, Jacob Zuma, was out of the country in Burkina Faso. The leadership argues that Hlophe bypassed the collective decision-making structure defined in the party constitution.
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As a result, the leadership changes made by Hlophe have been formally nullified, and Hlophe’s roles as party Deputy President and parliamentary leader are suspended pending investigation.


???? The wider implications

Party discipline and message: MKP issued a statement emphasising its commitment to “collective leadership … accountability and internal discipline” — signalling that even top figures are not beyond the constitutionally defined processes.


Internal instability exposed: Observers say this incident uncovers deeper factional contestation within MKP—between Zuma-loyalists, Hlophe’s camp, and other internal power centres.
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Impact on parliamentary work: With Hlophe suspended and the chief whip shuffle reversed, the MKP’s caucus in the National Assembly faces uncertainty and potential disruption, with questions about governance and cohesion raised.

???? Background to key players

John Hlophe, a former Judge President of the Western Cape Division, joined MKP following his impeachment in 2024. He was regarded as a heavyweight but also a controversial figure from the outset.


Colleen Makhubele, briefly removed as chief whip, is said to have faced internal scrutiny including a failed parliamentary vetting process and alleged business-contract conflicts.


Des Van Rooyen, who was momentarily appointed, is known for his short-lived role as National Finance Minister earlier in his career and is viewed as a seasoned but polarising figure.

???? What next?

MKP says a full investigation will follow and that Hlophe remains suspended until the outcome is concluded. The party leadership’s handling of this case will be closely watched for how it manages internal governance and public credibility. Meanwhile, questions remain about Hlophe’s future in the party and whether he will contest the suspension or step aside voluntarily.

Bottom line: The MKP’s suspension of its Deputy President marks a severe internal rupture. Whether this event leads to stronger internal discipline or further fragmentation remains to be seen — but the message from the leadership is clear: no one is above the party’s constitution or collective decision-making process.