Mzwanele Manyi dismissed as MK Party's chief whip
Mzwanele Manyi has been dismissed as the chief whip of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, following internal strife and leadership challenges. The announcement, confirmed by party spokesperson Muzi Ntshingila, has sparked discussions about the future direction of the MK Party under new chief whip Colleen Makhubele
Image: Independent Media Newspapers File
MZWANELE Manyi has been fired from his position of chief whip of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.
Manyi joined the MK Party from the EFF in August 2024 and was appointed as their chief whip in Parliament shortly thereafter.
Notably, his former ally, EFF MP Carl Niehaus, reacted to the news with a taunt and claimed Manyi was an "opportunist".
The announcement began circulating on the MK Party's WhatsApp groups and was eventually confirmed by their Deputy Chief Whip, Muzi Ntshingila.
The WhatsApp message read: "Please be informed that Hon. Mzwanele Manyi has been relieved of his duties as chief whip with immediate effect. We thank him for his service and dedication to the MK Party and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
"We are pleased to announce that Hon. Colleen Makhubele has been appointed as the new Chief Whip of the MK Party. We are confident that she will lead with strength and vision as we continue to advance our collective mission".
Ntshingila said the caucus welcomed and supported the new chief whip.
After defecting from the EFF, Manyi faced many challenges.
"His arrogance finally caused his downfall. He fails to listen and protect his caucus and wants to shine alone in the media and not give anyone a chance," one senior party official told IOL.
More recently, Manyi drew the ire of John Hlope, the MK Party's deputy president, after asking him to read a state of the nation speech penned by party founder Jacob Zuma instead of the one that Hlope had prepared.
While the party tried to downplay the divisions publicly behind closed doors, many in the party felt Manyi was causing divisions with his leadership style.
Niehaus, has fired shots at his former comrade Manyi calling him an opportunist, warning that instability and ideological decay will continue to plague their ranks.
In a social media comment on IOL’s report, Niehaus laughed off Manyi’s dismissal as the chip of MKP, stating that more should be expected.
Niehaus said: “Lol, I warned this chap. Anyhow he - and the other opportunists like him - made their bed of thorns, now let them sleep on it.
“Mark my words: the musical chairs will continue there in the merry-go-round party, there is no ideological centre that holds.”
DAILY NEWS