The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has removed Mzwanele Manyi as its chief whip in Parliament, ending his tenure less than six months after his appointment. The change was confirmed during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, where National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula introduced his replacement, Colleen Makhubele, a newcomer to the role.
Manyi becomes the second chief whip to be replaced since the MK Party entered Parliament as the official opposition following the 2024 elections. While the party has not publicly explained the decision, sources suggest internal disagreements and concerns over strategic alignment may have influenced the move.
Manyi, a former Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson and ex-head of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), joined the MK Party in August 2024 after a brief period with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). His initial appointment as chief whip was seen as part of the party’s strategy to place experienced figures in key positions. His sudden removal, however, has sparked speculation about internal stability and decision-making within the fast-growing opposition movement.
New Chief Whip Takes Over
Colleen Makhubele, the newly appointed chief whip, steps into the role with a mandate to strengthen party unity and refine its parliamentary approach. A former City of Johannesburg council speaker and a figure in multiparty politics, Makhubele brings governance and coalition negotiation experience—skills that may prove vital as the MK Party faces a challenging legislative landscape.
Party officials did not comment on whether the reshuffle points to deeper divisions, only stating that the decision was made to enhance “parliamentary efficiency and party cohesion.”
The leadership change comes as the MK Party seeks to position itself as a disciplined and credible alternative to the ruling African National Congress. Whether Makhubele can bring stability to the caucus remains uncertain, but her appointment signals a shift as the party consolidates its role in opposition politics.
