By Dylan Bettencourt
- Colleen Makhubele was removed as MK Party chief whip without warning, reportedly kicked from WhatsApp groups in a late-night reshuffle.
- Des van Rooyen replaces her, with the party praising his loyalty and saying the new team will better serve the people.
The MK Party has fired its chief whip Colleen Makhubele, only months after she was given the job.
Her removal was made official in the early hours of Wednesday. Party insiders said she was suddenly removed from internal WhatsApp groups, suggesting she may be on her way out completely.
Makhubele took over as chief whip in May, replacing Mzwanele Manyi.
The party has appointed Des van Rooyen in her place. In a statement, the party praised Van Rooyen for his “loyalty, integrity and dedication” and said he would strengthen the team.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela said the new leadership would “enrich the work of the caucus” and help it better represent the people.
Before joining the MK Party, Makhubele was the Johannesburg council speaker, deployed by COPE.
She later formed her own party, the South African Rainbow Alliance, which performed poorly in the May 2024 elections.
Pictured above: Colleen Makhubele.
Image source: @ColleenMakhub
