MK Party suspends Dr John Hlophe and nullify appointment of Des Van Rooyen

The MK Party announced last night that Dr John Hlophe has been suspended as the Deputy President and also as Leader of the MKP Parliament Caucus with immediate effect.

The Party revealed that the suspension of Dr Hlophe was motivated by his decision to replace Cde Makhubele with Cde Van Rooyen as a Chief Whip of Parliamentary Caucus without informing anyone within the organisation.

It is clear that even the President of the Party was not consulted by Dr Hlophe because he was outside the country.

"The uMkhonto weSizwe Party(MK Party) wishes to inform its members, supporters and general public that, upon His Excellency President Jacob Zuma's arrival from a successful trip to Burkina Faso, His Excellency met with MKP's National officials and received the briefing about changes effected at the National Assembly without a collective consultation.

The President has taken a decision to issue a precautionary suspension to the Party's Deputy President and the Leader of the MKP Parliament Caucus Dr. John Hlophe from his leadership roles with immediate effect, pending a full investigation on his conduct," said Nhlamulo Ndhlela,MK Party National Spokesperson.

Ndhlela made it clear that the decision to suspend Dr Hlophe is a warning shot to anyone who thinks they can do as they please within the organisation and he emphasised that the organisation is intact.

"This decision is meant to affirm and send a strong message and the principle of collective leadership across all structures within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Consequently, the decision taken by Dr. Hlophe to remove Cde Collen Makhubele and appoint Cde Des Van Rooyen is therefore nullified.

“The leadership of the MK Party remains firmly united and committed to upholding the principles of discipline, accountability and collective decision-making as enshrined in the Party Constitution. This decision should be viewed as a demonstration of the Party's unwavering commitment to internal party discipline and collective leadership.

The MK Party wishes to assure all its members, supporters and the broader South African public that the Organization remain stable, focused and steadfast in pursuing its mission to bring about genuine transformation and justice for the people of South Africa," concluded Ndhlela.