Colleen Makhubele Resigns from South Africa’s Parliament

Former chief whip of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), Colleen Makhubele, has resigned as a Member of Parliament (MP), effective February 28, 2026. Makhubele cited a desire to serve the country in a different capacity, bringing to a close a tenure marked by both political shifts and internal party disputes.

From Johannesburg Speaker to MKP MP

Makhubele’s political career includes a previous role as the speaker of the Johannesburg city council under the Congress of the People (COPE). She joined the MK Party in June 2024 and was elected to Parliament in January 2025 [People’s Assembly]. She initially served as the party’s chief whip, replacing Mzwanele Manyi in May 2025.

Controversies and Leadership Challenges

During her time in Parliament, Makhubele faced several controversies. In July 2025, she incorrectly indicated the MK Party’s support for the Appropriation Bill during a vote in the National Assembly, when the party intended to oppose it [Wikipedia].

November 2025 saw a brief removal as chief whip by then-parliamentary leader John Hlophe, a decision swiftly overturned by party leader Jacob Zuma, who reinstated Makhubele and suspended Hlophe [Wikipedia]. Des van Rooyen initially replaced her, but Zuma’s intervention led to Hlophe’s suspension and Van Rooyen’s subsequent appointment as parliamentary leader. Makhubele was again removed as chief whip in January 2026, with Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi taking her place [Wikipedia].

Resignation and Future Plans

In her resignation letter to Jacob Zuma, Makhubele expressed continued alignment with the MK Party’s core message and a commitment to nation-building, equitable society, poverty and corruption reduction, youth unemployment, and a unified democratic South Africa [Wikipedia]. She stated her belief that she could better serve the country by utilizing her skills and experience in a different capacity.