By Johnathan Paoli
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caucus in the National Assembly is engulfed in fresh internal strife, with several Members of Parliament (MPs) openly calling for the immediate removal of their recently appointed Chief Whip, Colleen Makhubele.
The dissenting MPs have reportedly sent a letter to party president Jacob Zuma, accusing Makhubele of poor leadership, unilateral and undemocratic decision-making, and ideological betrayal, especially regarding her stance on Israel.
Makhubele, who took office at the end of May, replaced former Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi.
However, her leadership has quickly drawn sharp criticism from within the caucus.
The MPs allege that she alienates members through her conduct and decision-making style, undermining the cohesiveness of the MK Party’s parliamentary team.
The tension largely stems from ideological disputes, with some MPs particularly dissatisfied with Makhubele’s perceived support of Israel.
Her prior public criticism of politicians backing Palestine has exacerbated fears of ideological betrayal within a party that traditionally holds anti-imperialist and pro-Palestinian views.
The division within the caucus is not new to the MK Party, which has struggled with factionalism since its formation in December 2023.
Makhubele is the party’s third Chief Whip, taking over from Manyi, who served for nine months before being dismissed amid allegations of arrogance and failure to represent the caucus effectively.
Manyi’s dismissal reportedly followed a fallout with the party’s Deputy President John Hlope.
Before joining the MK Party in August 2024, Makhubele served as the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg and had brief stints in other political formations, including the Congress of the People (COPE) and the South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA), which she founded.
Despite her varied experience, critics within MK describe her as a newcomer lacking the political maturity needed to lead the party’s parliamentary caucus.
The internal discontent within MK Party also follows the controversial removal of former Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu, who was forced out after a turbulent tenure marked by allegations of misconduct, including an unauthorized trip to meet fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri.
Shivambu, like Manyi, defected from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and his rapid ascent within the MK Party leadership had met resistance from some quarters.
As the caucus remains split, the political future of Makhubele as Chief Whip hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, the MK Party leadership has not yet issued an official response to the MPs’ demands.
The unfolding drama raises questions about the party’s stability as it seeks to establish itself as a serious political force in South Africa’s volatile political landscape.
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