MK Party
By Thabo Mosia
In a surprise shake-up that has sent ripples through South African politics, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has named former Eskom and Transnet CEO Brian Molefe as its new treasurer-general.
The announcement, made on Monday, 12 January 2026, also saw Colleen Makhubele removed from her role as the party’s chief whip in Parliament.
These changes come as the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, seeks to strengthen its structures during a time of internal adjustments and growing scrutiny.
Molefe, a controversial figure with a history tied to state capture allegations, steps into the key financial role at a pivotal moment for the party.
Formed ahead of the 2024 elections, the MK Party has quickly become a significant player, securing 58 seats in the National Assembly.
However, this latest move has sparked debate about the party’s direction and its choice of leaders with chequered pasts.
With local government elections on the horizon, such decisions could influence voter perceptions in a country still grappling with corruption issues.
Details of the Leadership Changes
The MK Party confirmed the reshuffle in a statement released by spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Mpiyakhe Limba, the previous treasurer-general, was relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
Molefe, who is already a Member of Parliament (MP) for the party, takes over the position. The party praised Molefe’s “extensive experience in governance, public administration, finance, and organisational leadership” as reasons for his appointment.
In Parliament, Colleen Makhubele, a former Johannesburg councillor who defected from Cope to join MK, has been axed as chief whip.
She remains an MP but has been replaced by Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, who is expected to bring fresh energy to the role.
The party described these moves as part of its commitment to “organisational discipline, collective leadership, and the strengthening of its structures in pursuit of the aspirations of the people of South Africa.”
President Jacob Zuma personally endorsed the changes, aiming to align the leadership with the party’s goals for the “Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government,” as outlined in recent ANC statements—though MK operates independently.
No further reasons were given for the removals, but insiders suggest it’s about streamlining operations amid internal dynamics.
Brian Molefe’s Background and Controversies
Brian Molefe, aged 57, is no stranger to high-profile roles in South Africa. He served as CEO of Transnet from 2011 to 2015 and then Eskom from 2015 to 2017.
During his time at Eskom, he was credited with turning around load-shedding issues temporarily, but his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption linked to the Gupta family and state capture.
The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture found that Molefe had close ties to the Guptas, including suspicious phone calls and visits to their Saxonwold home.
He was implicated in facilitating dodgy coal contracts worth billions, which allegedly benefited Gupta-linked companies like Tegeta.
Molefe has denied wrongdoing, calling the accusations politically motivated, but he faces ongoing legal battles, including a case where he was ordered to repay R10 million in pension benefits from Eskom.
Before his corporate roles, Molefe was a senior ANC member and served as an MP from 2009 to 2010. He joined the MK Party ahead of the 2024 elections and was sworn in as an MP in June 2024.
His appointment as treasurer-general raises questions about financial oversight in a party that has faced its own funding controversies, including claims of irregular donations.
Colleen Makhubele’s Role and Removal
Colleen Makhubele, 48, joined the MK Party after a turbulent political career. She started as a DA councillor in Johannesburg, then switched to Cope, where she became Johannesburg council speaker in 2021.
Her defection to MK in 2024 was seen as a boost for the party’s urban appeal, but her time as chief whip has been short-lived.
Makhubele’s removal comes amid reports of internal friction, though the party insists it’s about enhancing efficiency.
She has been vocal on issues like service delivery and women’s rights, but critics point to her party-hopping as a sign of instability. Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, her replacement, is a lesser-known figure but is said to have strong grassroots ties within MK.
Broader Implications for the MK Party
The MK Party, founded by Zuma in December 2023 after his expulsion from the ANC, has grown rapidly, drawing support from disaffected voters in KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere.
It positions itself as a radical alternative, focusing on land reform, economic justice, and anti-corruption—ironically, given some leaders’ histories.
This reshuffle is the latest in a series of changes. Since its inception, MK has seen expulsions and realignments, including the ousting of founding members like Jabulani Khumalo.
With 58 MPs, the party is the official opposition in Parliament, but internal stability remains a concern.
Experts say appointing Molefe could alienate some supporters wary of corruption links, while others see it as a strategic move to leverage his financial expertise.
In a country where the Auditor-General reports billions lost to graft annually, such choices are under the microscope.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some praising Molefe’s turnaround skills at Eskom, while others decry it as “recycling corrupt leaders.”
The party’s statement emphasised unity and discipline, but time will tell if these changes solidify or fracture its base.
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