MK Party removes Manyi as chief whip less than 6 months after being appointed

CAPE TOWN - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has again made changes to its caucus, removing chief whip Mzwanele Manyi less than six months after taking up the position.

The changes make Manyi the second chief whip of the party to be unceremoniously removed since the party joined Parliament as the official opposition.

He has been replaced by party newcomer, Colleen Makhubele, who was introduced by the Speaker during Tuesday’s sitting.

Manyi was sworn in as an MK Party member of Parliament (MP) in August 2024 before his appointment as the party’s chief whip.

Manyi joined the MK Party after leaving the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and was sworn in along with former SOE heads like former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) CEO, Lucky Montana, and former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe.

He dumped the EFF, along with its former deputy leader Floyd Shivambu, a move that rocked the red berets.

On Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza introduced Makhubele as the new whip in the House.

"I’d like to take this opportunity before the business of the House today to welcome the new designated chief whip of the opposition the MK Party, Ms Makhubele," Didiza said.

Announcing Manyi’s removal in a message to members, the party’s Parliament leader, John Hlophe, said they’re confident Makhubele would lead with strength and vision.