MK Party Deputy President John Hlophe

By Thabo Mosia

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has placed its deputy president and parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe, on precautionary suspension. This decision, announced on 5 November 2025, comes amid growing tensions within the party and highlights ongoing struggles for unity and discipline in one of the country’s newest political forces.

The move underscores the challenges facing the MK Party, which burst onto the scene ahead of the 2024 national elections and quickly became a significant player in opposition politics. Led by former president Jacob Zuma, the party has positioned itself as a champion for radical economic transformation and justice for ordinary South Africans. However, internal disputes have repeatedly made headlines, raising questions about its long-term stability.

The Announcement and Immediate Effects

The MK Party’s office of the presidency released a media statement confirming the suspension, effective immediately. It explained that the action was taken after Zuma returned from a successful diplomatic trip to Burkina Faso, where he engaged with regional leaders on matters of African unity and development. Upon his arrival, Zuma met with the party’s national officials and received a briefing on recent changes in the National Assembly that had been implemented without proper collective consultation.

The statement emphasised that the suspension is precautionary and pending a full investigation into Hlophe’s conduct. It aims to send a strong message about the importance of collective leadership across all party structures. As a direct result, decisions made by Hlophe to remove Cde Collen Makhubele from her role as chief whip and to appoint Cde Des Van Rooyen in her place have been declared null and void. This effectively reinstates Makhubele, who had faced her own controversies in recent months.

Party insiders suggest that Hlophe’s actions while Zuma was abroad were seen as overstepping boundaries, potentially undermining the party’s commitment to unified decision-making. The MK Party reiterated its dedication to upholding principles of discipline, accountability, and adherence to its constitution, viewing this step as a demonstration of its unwavering focus on internal party processes.

Background on Dr John Hlophe: From Judiciary to Politics

Dr John Hlophe, a former Western Cape judge president, has had a tumultuous career marked by high-profile controversies. He served as head of the Western Cape division of the high court until his suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa in late 2022, followed by his impeachment by the National Assembly in February 2024 for gross misconduct. The impeachment stemmed from findings that he had attempted to influence judges in cases related to Zuma’s corruption trials.

After leaving the judiciary, Hlophe joined the MK Party shortly before the 2024 elections. His legal expertise and outspoken views on judicial transformation made him a key figure, leading to his appointment as the party’s parliamentary leader and first deputy president under Zuma. In Parliament, he became the official leader of the opposition, a role that positioned the MK Party as a vocal critic of the Government of National Unity.

However, Hlophe’s transition to politics was not without drama. In October 2024, the MK Party nominated him to serve on the Judicial Service Commission, sparking widespread debate. Critics argued that an impeached judge should not participate in appointing new judges, leading to legal challenges. The Western Cape High Court granted an interdict in September 2024, preventing Hlophe from taking part in JSC interviews, citing potential harm to the commission’s credibility. The party fought the ruling, but a Johannesburg High Court dismissed their bid to postpone JSC sittings, and Hlophe eventually withdrew his nomination in October 2024 to avoid legitimising what the party called an “illegitimate process.”

Adding to his challenges, earlier in 2025, former MK Party Mpumalanga convener Mary Phadi accused Hlophe of making unwanted sexual advances following a leadership meeting in Mbombela in August 2024. Phadi, who had been expelled from the party amid allegations of misappropriating funds and hiring a hitman, called for Hlophe’s immediate suspension. She claimed the advances led to a campaign against her after she rejected them, and she vowed to take the matter to court with supporting messages. The MK Party did not act on her demands at the time, but the allegations added fuel to internal divisions.

Reasons Behind the Suspension: Internal Tensions and Leadership Clashes

The suspension appears rooted in a series of internal conflicts that have plagued the MK Party since its formation in late 2023. Sources within the party indicate that Hlophe’s decision to fire Makhubele as chief whip came amid serious allegations against her, including failing an intelligence vetting process in Parliament and reported links to foreign networks. Makhubele, who joined the MK Party in early 2025 after serving as Johannesburg council speaker, was removed shortly before midnight on 4 November 2025 and even booted from the party’s WhatsApp group.

Party members had urged Zuma to address Makhubele’s issues, citing her repeated defiance of leadership, particularly towards Hlophe. Efforts to mediate between the two had failed, and her appointment had been controversial from the start. However, Hlophe’s unilateral move to replace her with Van Rooyen—a former finance minister under Zuma known for his brief and infamous 2015 stint that sparked market turmoil—was viewed as bypassing collective processes.

Zuma’s return from Burkina Faso provided the catalyst for action. The trip, described as successful, focused on building alliances with progressive African leaders like Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, known for his anti-imperialist stance. Zuma’s briefing upon return highlighted the need for stricter adherence to party protocols, leading to the swift suspension.

This is not the first time the MK Party has faced leadership shake-ups. In June 2025, Zuma publicly criticised Hlophe for mishandling a court case involving Phadi, where Hlophe allegedly changed lawyers without approval, resulting in a loss. Phadi won reinstatement through a default judgment, exposing procedural flaws. Such incidents have painted a picture of a party grappling with rapid growth and the integration of high-profile but contentious figures.

Hlophe’s Response: A Call for Termination Over Suspension

In a leaked WhatsApp message circulating widely, Hlophe expressed his frustration with the suspension. He informed colleagues that he would not attend the parliamentary plenary session the following day, stating his belief that he had been suspended. Hlophe went further, revealing that he had asked party head of presidency Magasela Mzobe to request Zuma to terminate his MK Party membership entirely rather than impose a suspension. “I have asked mzobe to request the President to terminate my MKP membership than suspended me. I am awaiting that communication now,” the message read.

This response suggests Hlophe views the suspension as humiliating and prefers a clean break. It also highlights potential deeper rifts, with some speculating that Hlophe may feel sidelined despite his prominent role. As of now, the party has not commented on his request, but it could lead to further instability if not resolved quickly.

Impact on the MK Party and South African Politics

The suspension has significant implications for the MK Party, which secured over 14% of the vote in the 2024 elections, making it the third-largest party in Parliament. As the official opposition, the MK Party has been aggressive in challenging the ANC-led GNU on issues like land reform, economic inequality, and foreign policy. Losing Hlophe, even temporarily, could weaken its parliamentary presence, especially given his legal acumen in debates and committees.

Analysts point out that this move reinforces Zuma’s central control over the party, often described as personality-driven. While the MK Party promotes itself as a movement for the people, critics argue it functions more like a family enterprise, with decisions flowing top-down. The reinstatement of Makhubele and nullification of Van Rooyen’s appointment may appease certain factions but could alienate others who supported Hlophe’s reforms.

Broader South African politics may also feel the ripple effects. The opposition landscape is fragmented, with parties like the EFF and others vying for similar voter bases. Internal MK Party drama could erode public confidence, potentially benefiting rivals. Moreover, it raises questions about the maturity of newer political entities in handling power dynamics.

Looking Ahead: Investigations and Party Unity

The MK Party has assured its members, supporters, and the public that it remains stable and focused on its mission of genuine transformation and justice. With the investigation into Hlophe’s conduct underway, the coming weeks will be crucial. Will Hlophe fight the suspension, or will he exit the party altogether? And how will this affect the party’s performance in upcoming by-elections and its preparations for the 2026 local government polls?

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John Hlophe

MK Party Deputy President John Hlophe

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