By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mzwanele Manyi has been removed as chief whip of the MK Party in parliament and replaced by a rising figure in the party Colleen Makhubele.
Manyi joined the party in August 2024 after defecting from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
John Hlope, the party’s deputy president in a letter to National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza, states that the move seeks to further the party’s overall aims and objectives.
“I am writing to formally inform you that, with immediate effect, you are hereby relieved of your duties as chief whip of the MK Party in the National Assembly,” reads Hlophe’s letter.
“We are pleased to announce that Honourable Colleen Makhubela will assume the position of chief whip effective immediately.”
Hlope expressed gratitude to Manyi for his commitment to leadership over the previous nine months.
“On behalf of the party leadership and members, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, hard work, and service in this demanding role.
“Your contributions have been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to the party and its vision,” reads the letter.
Manyi has faced internal criticism for arrogance, poor leadership, and causing divisions within the party.
In February, the MK Party denied reports of a dispute between Hlophe and Manyi, with allegations that things became physical between the two.
Hlophe raised eyebrows after dedicating his entire State of the Nation Address (Sona) debate reply in Parliament praising MK party leader Jacob Zuma, including hailing him as the “best president ever”.
However, Zuma was unhappy with the speeches delivered by MK Party MPs and confronted Hlophe about his speech.
The MK Party, which is the third-biggest party after the ANC and the DA following the May 29 elections, has become the official opposition party by virtue of being outside the Government of National Unity (GNU) comprising the ANC, the DA and other smaller political parties such as the UDM, PAC, PA and others.