The party bagged 58 seats in the National Assembly overtaking the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to become South Africa’s third-largest party after the May 29 general elections.
The former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe who was impeached for gross misconduct, has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament.
Hlophe will lead MK party in the National Assembly, marking a significant and contentious moment in the country’s legislative history.
Its MPs also include former co-operative governance & traditional affairs minister Des van Rooyen, who was appointed as finance minister out of the blue by Zuma in 2015 and then replaced after four days by Pravin Gordhan when the rand went into a tailspin.
EFF member and former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who was impeached over her fitness for office, also attended the swearing-in ceremony. She was there to support her husband, David Skosana, who has also taken up a seat as an MK party MP.
Other notables included former minister Zizi Kodwa, who is currently out on bail following corruptions charges.
Addressing the media as member of parliament, Hlope said they have been elected to work and they will make sure they stay above petty politics.
“We have been elected by the people of this country, we are here to work, we consider that as our role. We are going to engage in a robust debate but in a respectful manner. But make no mistake, we are not going to allow ourselves to be bullied by anyone. We are adults and we know why we are here,” he said.
Hlophe also said EFF leader Julius Malema’s promised to assist him as the party prepares to join the Progressive Caucus.
“We are going to work very closely with other progressive parties in the opposition. I have in mind the EFF, I have in mind the ATM and other progressive parties,” he said.
He said the party’s main priority is the issue of land redistribution.
“We stand for the issue of land in this country, and we are not apologetic about it. The land in Africa can never be the subject of private ownership. The land belongs to the nation. It does not form part of private ownership.”
Former president Jacob Zuma will remain the party’s leader, while Hlophe will lead the MPs in Parliament.
