Marcus Moloko
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) has announced former Finance Minister Des van Rooyen as its new Chief Whip.
This marks the fourth appointment to the role in under 15 months since the party entered Parliament.
Van Rooyen replaces Colleen Makhubele, a former speaker of the Johannesburg City Council. Mzwanele Manyi took over from the party’s inaugural whip, Sihle Ngubane.
In a statement, the party said Van Rooyen’s appointment aimed to strengthen the parliamentary caucus while aligning it more strategically with MK’s mission.
According to a statement issued by the MK Women’s League, Van Rooyen’s appointment was expected to instil discipline within the caucus, ensuring MPs toed the line.
The appointment is expected to promote unity, while Van Rooyen is expected to steer the caucus through complex legislative terrain.
The statement describes Van Rooyen as a committed cadre who embodied the values and principles of the MK Party.
“His appointment follows a series of rapid leadership changes within the caucus, making him the fourth Chief Whip since the party entered Parliament 15 months ago.
Dubbed the “Weekend Special,” Van Rooyen served just four days as finance minister in 2015 during Jacob Zuma’s administration.
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