MKP
Sources reveal Judge Hlophe fired Chief Whip Collen Makhubele while President Zuma was in Burkina Faso, sparking outrage within the National High Command and calls for Hlophe’s removal.
Tensions are running high within the National High Command of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party) after Judge John Hlophe abruptly dismissed Chief Whip Collen Makhubele during President Jacob Zuma’s overseas visit to Burkina Faso.
Although the authenticity of the message purportedly sent by the former judge remains unverified, SA Daily has learnt that the National High Command was left unsettled by Judge John Hlophe’s sudden decision to dismiss Chief Whip Collen Makhubele.
At the time of Makhubele’s removal, President Jacob Zuma was in Burkina Faso, holding a bilateral meeting with President Ibrahim Traore. According to insiders within the party, Hlophe seized the opportunity to act unilaterally, waiting for senior leaders to be out of the country before moving against Makhubele.
The move reportedly blindsided the leadership and ignited tensions within the party. Sources close to the Presidency said Zuma was furious upon learning of the dismissal and immediately called for Hlophe’s removal, describing the act as “reckless and politically immature.”
