MK Party crisis deepens: Colleen Makhubele’s chief whip role contested as Hlophe fires Ndhlela
Colleen Makhubele. Photo credit: eNCA
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, is once again in the spotlight—this time for deepening internal chaos that threatens to fracture its growing political momentum.
Following the dramatic removal of national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela and the controversial appointment of Colleen Makhubele as Chief Whip, the party finds itself mired in a leadership battle marked by power struggles, factional loyalty wars, and procedural disputes.
With calls now emerging for Makhubele’s removal, the crisis underscores growing instability at the heart of the Zuma-led movement.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela Fired: What Triggered His Removal From MK Parliamentary Leadership
The internal crisis within the MK Party escalated when Deputy President John Hlophe moved to oust Nhlamulo Ndhlela from the party’s parliamentary whippery. Ndhlela, who also served as the party’s national spokesperson, was removed amid growing tensions within the top brass. Reports suggest that Hlophe had written directly to party leader Jacob Zuma, outlining grievances against Ndhlela’s conduct, including allegations of insubordination, disruptive public statements, and alliance-building outside party processes.
Ndhlela’s removal was not merely an administrative change—it signified a deeper power struggle between factions loyal to Zuma and others aligned with newer, more assertive power players in Parliament. His ouster also came against the backdrop of rising frustration over his vocal criticism of former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who has been accused of trying to capture the party’s internal structures.
Colleen Makhubele Appointed Chief Whip: A Strategic but Controversial Move
In a surprising twist, the MK Party’s caucus leadership in Parliament appointed Colleen Makhubele as its new Chief Whip, replacing the embattled Mzwanele Manyi. Makhubele, a former Speaker of the Johannesburg Council and a seasoned political operator, has had a whirlwind journey—having moved from COPE to forming her own South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA), and now serving under the MK banner.
Her appointment was seen by some within the party as a strategic move to bring calm, gender inclusivity, and a fresh face to the embattled leadership team. However, not all members of the MK Party are convinced. Reports indicate that her appointment was made without full consultation with the national executive, raising questions about the legality and legitimacy of the move.
According to recent developments, some factions within the MK Party are now calling for her removal, alleging that the process used to install her as Chief Whip violated internal protocols and further deepened factional divisions rather than resolving them.
Why MK Party Members Want Colleen Makhubele Removed
A key concern raised by MK Party insiders is that Colleen Makhubele’s appointment bypassed party consensus and was executed through a top-down directive from the Hlophe-aligned bloc. Those aligned with Manyi and Zuma’s more traditionalist supporters argue that Makhubele is a political opportunist who lacks longstanding loyalty to the MK Party.
Her rapid rise within the party’s parliamentary ranks has led to accusations that she is being used as a pawn in an internal power game. Party members who are demanding her removal say the appointment was not ratified through standard internal structures, such as the National Working Committee or National Executive Committee. These procedural breaches, they argue, could set a dangerous precedent and expose the party to further instability.
John Hlophe’s Power Play: Reconfiguring MK Party Leadership
John Hlophe is emerging as a central figure in the MK Party’s reconfiguration, using his role as deputy leader to consolidate parliamentary control. His moves—including the removal of Ndhlela, the installation of Makhubele, and the sidelining of Mzwanele Manyi—are seen as part of a broader strategy to reshape the party’s leadership culture and parliamentary conduct.
Hlophe reportedly cited the need for “discipline, coordination, and cohesion” in Parliament. But critics argue that his real goal is to build a faction loyal to him and possibly distance Zuma from day-to-day decision-making. These maneuvers have drawn both applause from his allies and harsh backlash from loyalists who believe the party is drifting from its founding vision.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in the Spotlight: Influence or Interference?
The role of Duduzile Zuma, daughter of the party leader, has become increasingly contentious. Hlophe’s letter to Zuma reportedly included sharp complaints about Duduzile’s behavior, accusing her of stoking internal discord and abusing her influence to direct social media campaigns and internal communications.
Her viral attacks on Shivambu—labeling him a traitor and even resorting to profanities—sparked widespread controversy and prompted a stern reprimand from her father, who asked her to step back from visible roles. Still, many within the party believe she holds significant behind-the-scenes sway, complicating efforts to foster unity and institutional discipline.
Mzwanele Manyi’s Fall: From Chief Whip to the Sidelines
Mzwanele Manyi, who once served as Jacob Zuma’s spokesperson and was a prominent defector from the EFF to MK, has been ousted from his role as Chief Whip. Insiders say his authoritarian approach and unwillingness to collaborate with fellow MPs led to mounting discontent. His removal reportedly followed a heated confrontation with Hlophe over the State of the Nation Address and other strategic matters.
Manyi’s supporters are now questioning the legitimacy of Colleen Makhubele’s appointment and framing it as an illegal replacement orchestrated by a small power-hungry faction. They argue that removing a seasoned party loyalist like Manyi in favor of a recent entrant undermines the party’s internal democracy and may alienate grassroots members.
What This Means for MK Party’s Future Ahead of the 2026 Elections
The chaos in MK Party’s leadership poses serious risks ahead of the 2026 local government elections. While Zuma remains the symbolic figurehead, his silence or behind-the-scenes influence is doing little to resolve the internal civil war. With the public now aware of gun threats in meetings, legal feuds between Shivambu and Ndhlela, and procedural breaches in leadership appointments, the party risks losing the confidence of both voters and political allies.
The appointment of Colleen Makhubele may have been intended as a stabilizing gesture, but without broader consensus, it may do more harm than good. The weeks ahead will determine whether MK Party can course-correct or slide further into a leadership crisis with potentially devastating electoral consequences.
