uMkhonto weSizwe Party reinstates Hlophe as First Deputy President after suspension

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has announced the reinstatement of 66-year-old John Hlophe as its first deputy president and parliamentary leader, ending his November 2025 suspension over appointing a new chief whip without full consultation.

Party president Jacob Zuma reviewed an independent panel’s findings and cleared Hlophe after a detailed meeting, thanking interim leader Des van Rooyen.

Hlophe, who became South Africa’s youngest black judge in 1995 before joining the party post-impeachment, drew cheers from supporters like MP Andile Mngxitama, though he also faced some skepticism amid hints of internal tensions.

Secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo called for unity as Parliament reconvenes, emphasizing the principle of collective leadership that had led to Hlophe initial suspension as a precautionary measure pending a full investigation into his conduct, specifically related to changes made in the National Assembly without wider consultation, including the removal of Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele and appointment of Des Van Rooyen.