Former president Jacob Zuma has reinstated Dr John Hlophe as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s first deputy president and parliamentary leader, lifting a suspension that had been in place since November 2025 .
Suspension and Investigation
Hlophe was suspended after allegedly “acting unilaterally” by removing then-chief whip Colleen Makhubele and appointing MP Des Van Rooyen as acting chief whip without consulting Zuma, who was on a trip to Burkina Faso at the time . The party nullified those leadership changes and placed Hlophe under precautionary suspension pending investigation .
An independent legal panel, led by an advocate, was appointed to investigate the allegations against Hlophe and make recommendations . After receiving the panel’s findings, Zuma held a bilateral meeting with Hlophe where all allegations were discussed .
Reinstatement Confirmed
In a memo to party structures, newly-appointed MK Party secretary general Sibonelo Nomvalo confirmed Hlophe’s immediate reinstatement to both leadership positions .
“The suspension of Dr Hlophe arose out of matters that necessitated the President to appoint an independent legal panel… to investigate allegations levelled at Hlophe and make recommendations to the President on the necessary course of action,” Nomvalo said .
Nomvalo encouraged party members to extend a warm welcome to Hlophe as he resumes his duties “in pursuit of the party objectives, social cohesion, and human solidarity” .
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed to EWN that Hlophe’s suspension was lifted as of Wednesday, 17 March 2026 . Des van Rooyen, who served as acting parliamentary leader during Hlophe’s suspension, was thanked for his service .
Context of Leadership Changes
Hlophe’s reinstatement follows a recent leadership reshuffle within the MK Party. Last week, Bongani Mncwango was removed as secretary general and replaced by Nomvalo, who is currently a member of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi .
Since the formation of the MK Party in 2023, Zuma has either pushed to resign or sacked at least six secretary generals . Political analyst Andre Duvenhage has suggested the frequent changes reflect Zuma’s desire to place trusted individuals in key positions .
