A storm is brewing within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, threatening to destabilize its already fragile foundation. Newly appointed parliamentary chief whip, Colleen Makhubele, is at the center of this internal crisis, facing serious allegations that could lead to her suspension. Senior party insiders are now urgently appealing to former President Jacob Zuma, the party's leader, to intervene and restore order.
According to an internal governance report, obtained by IOL, Makhubele is accused of several serious infractions. These include:
- Failing the crucial vetting process required to serve on Parliament’s Intelligence Committee. This is a significant red flag, as it raises questions about her suitability for a role that demands the utmost trust and security clearance.
- Improperly advocating for her husband's appointment to an MK position. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the misuse of her influence within the party.
- Attempting to secure a backdated service-level agreement with a company where her husband was a director, valued at a substantial R185,301.36 per month. This raises questions about financial impropriety and potential abuse of power.
- Repeatedly defying party leadership, specifically Deputy President Judge John Hlophe. This behavior undermines the party's hierarchy and creates internal friction.
Efforts to mediate the conflict between Makhubele and Hlophe have reportedly failed, further exacerbating the factional divisions within the MK party.
But here's where it gets controversial... This internal strife comes at a particularly vulnerable time for the MK party, which has been plagued by leadership battles since its inception less than two years ago. Makhubele's appointment in May followed the removal of her predecessor, Mzwanele Manyi, who previously served as Zuma’s spokesperson.
"Things have reached a low. It’s open warfare between Colleen and Judge Hlophe," a senior party source revealed, adding, "But we know this is part of an agenda to destabilise MK from within."
This latest crisis follows closely on the heels of another involving the MK’s Mpumalanga leadership. Provincial chairperson and former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane recently filed a criminal case following an alleged death threat made by suspended provincial secretary Abednico Mkhatshwa.
Another insider expressed frustration with the party's leadership vacuum, stating, "We lack leadership. The old man is too busy to manage these internal battles, and everyone wants to be a leader with their own favourites. That’s the problem. There’s no control — and that’s dangerous.”
And this is the part most people miss... Makhubele has not responded to requests for comment. Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated he was unaware of any Intelligence Committee vetting involving Makhubele. MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela confirmed the existence of the governance report but said it had not yet been formally presented to the party. Judge Hlope has also declined to comment.
This situation raises several critical questions: Is the MK party capable of resolving these internal conflicts and presenting a united front? Or will these internal battles continue to undermine the party's stability and effectiveness? What do you think about the allegations against Makhubele? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
