Newly appointed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party chief whip, Colleen Makhubele, is facing intense internal pressure and calls for her suspension after a damning internal report alleged she failed a crucial security vetting and engaged in serious misconduct.
According to an internal MK governance report, Makhubele failed the vetting process required to serve on Parliament’s powerful Intelligence Committee. The report also levels further allegations, including that she improperly lobbied for her husband – who chairs a different political party – to be given an MK position, and attempted to secure a lucrative, backdated service contract worth over R185,000 per month for a company linked to him.
The situation has ignited “open warfare” within the party’s leadership, specifically between Makhubele and MK Deputy President Judge John Hlophe. Efforts to mediate between the two have collapsed, deepening existing factional divisions.
This crisis is the latest in a series of internal conflicts plaguing the MK party since its formation. A senior party insider lamented a leadership vacuum, suggesting that party leader Jacob Zuma is “too busy to manage these internal battles,” leading to a dangerous lack of control.
While MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela confirmed the report’s existence, he stated it has not been formally tabled before the party. Makhubele did not respond to requests for comment, and Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said he was unaware of any Intelligence Committee vetting involving her.