Turmoil as MPs demand Makhubele's removal

INTERNAL divisions are brewing within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caucus in Parliament, as several Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for the immediate removal of newly appointed chief whip Colleen Makhubele.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Makhubele, who took office at the end of May, is accused by some MPs of making unilateral and undemocratic decisions, betraying party ideology - particularly in relation to her stance on Israel - and demonstrating poor leadership.

In a letter addressed to party president Jacob Zuma, the dissenting MPs argue that her leadership threatens party unity and describe her as a “political novice and newcomer.”

The letter also states that since taking over from former chief whip Mzwanele Manyi, Makhubele’s conduct has alienated members of the caucus.

Makhubele, the former speaker of the City of Johannesburg, joined the MK Party in August 2024 after stints in the Congress of the People (COPE) and the short-lived South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA), which she founded.