Manyi to remain MP despite being axed as MK party chief whip

Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi says he remains a member of parliament (MP) and will not be leaving the party.

Manyi was removed as chief whip of the MK party this week and replaced with Colleen Makhubele on Tuesday.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza announced Makhubele as the new chief whip of the MK party at the start of Tuesday’s plenary session, where President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to answer questions in parliament.

Still an MP

Manyi told The Citizen that he is still an MP.

“Colleen Makhubele takes over as chief whip, and I continue in terms of MK (party) and so on. So, I continue in parliament, and even today I am in parliament”.

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MK party confident

Meanwhile, the MK party said it is confident that its Parliamentary Caucus will be “further energized and strategically aligned under the leadership of Makhubele.

Jacob Zuma’s party on Wednesday officially announced the appointment of Makhubele as the new Chief Whip of the party in Parliament, with immediate effect following the removal of Manyi.

New MK party Chief Whip

MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said Makhubele takes over the reins from Manyi, “who served the Party with distinction in this critical role”.

“Honourable Makhubele brings a wealth of experience, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to the vision and values of the MK Party. As a respected leader and seasoned parliamentarian, her appointment reflects the party’s confidence in her ability to provide disciplined coordination, strengthen parliamentary oversight and champion the interests of our movement in the National Assembly”.

Thanking Manyi

Ndhlela said the party thanks Manyi for his service.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Honourable Mzwanele Manyi for his tireless service, unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership as Chief Whip. His contributions have been instrumental in laying a firm foundation for our parliamentary presence and advancing the Party’s agenda during a pivotal period.

“We look forward to his continued role in supporting the party’s broader objectives. The MK party remains resolute in its commitment to the people of South Africa and to the mission of transforming Parliament into a true voice of the people,” Ndhlela said.

Removal

The announcement of Manyi’s removal began circulating on MK Party WhatsApp groups this week.

A party insider said the message was written by MK party Caucus leader John Hlophe and circulated in the MK Party’s WhatsApp groups.

“I am writing to inform you that, with immediate effect, you are hereby relieved of your duties as the chief whip of the MK Party in the National Assembly, the message reads:

“This decision was made with careful consideration and in the interest of advancing the collective goals and objectives of our party.

“On behalf of the party leadership, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, hard work, and service in this demanding role,” the WhatsApp message read.

Manyi’s axing comes amid reports of a document that called for the restructuring of some MK party leadership positions.

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