Mzwanele Manyi has strongly denied rumors that he will leave the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party following his removal as Chief Whip in Parliament.
In a statement, Manyi declared, “I’m not going anywhere,” reaffirming his commitment to the party and his position as a Member of Parliament. His remarks come a day after National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza confirmed his replacement by former Johannesburg council speaker Colleen Makhubele on May 27.
Manyi served as Chief Whip since August 2024, and his removal has fueled speculation about internal divisions within the MK Party. Sources suggest his dismissal may be linked to perceptions of ineffective leadership, internal tensions, and clashes with senior party figures. Earlier reports from Mail & Guardian described Manyi as “arrogant” and “out of his depth,” with some party members accusing him of failing to unite the caucus or effectively counter opposition voices, including the EFF’s Julius Malema.
An alleged physical altercation with MK Party deputy president John Hlophe during a caucus meeting further heightened perceptions of instability. However, Manyi has dismissed these claims, insisting he remains a loyal member of the party.
His public statement appears aimed at dispelling speculation of an impending defection, signaling his intention to continue serving in Parliament. As the MK Party undergoes another leadership shift—marking the second Chief Whip change since August 2024—questions remain over whether Makhubele’s appointment will bring stability to the party’s internal dynamics.