Colleen Makhubele quits as MK Party MP

In the ongoing merry-go-round of appointments and resignations within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, it’s former parliamentary chief whip, Colleen Makhubele, is quitting as a member of Parliament (MP).

Makhubele joined the MK Party in 2024 and entered Parliament just more than a year ago after ditching her own party she formed after serving as Johannesburg City Speaker under the COPE banner.

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Announcing her resignation on Monday, Makhubele said she still believes in the ideals of Jacob Zuma’s party, but she can better serve the country in another capacity.

Makhubele is quitting her short-lived parliamentary career at the end of February, after a rapid rise from new MP in January 2025 to its third chief whip within just four months.

But only five months later, relations had soured and she was suspended by parliamentary leader John Hlophe, who was then subsequently suspended before Makhubele was reinstated by Zuma and then dismissed from the position again.

Announcing her resignation, Makhubele said she remained deeply inspired by Zuma and she still resonates with the MK Party’s message that led her to ditch her own political formation.

She’s thanked Zuma for allowing her to serve at the top of the party’s parliamentary leadership and said she has cherished the opportunity.

While Makhubele has not shared her next career move, she said she will contribute to shaping legislation, policies and debates for a better South Africa, particularly the historically disadvantaged and marginalised communities.