Impeached Judge Hlophe Appointed as Chief Whip of MK Party in Parliament

Impeached former Judge President of the Western Cape, John Hlophe, has been appointed as the chief whip of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in Parliament.

An internal memo was circulated announcing Hlophe’s new role as the political organization works towards establishing its administration and financial operations within the National Assembly.

Fronted by former President Jacob Zuma, the MK Party secured 58 seats in the recent elections held on 29 May, marking Hlophe’s foray into the political arena.

Despite winning seats, the party opted out of attending the inaugural parliamentary session and the swearing-in of its members last week.

In a historic turn of events, Hlophe, who made history in February as the first judge to be impeached in democratic South Africa, now finds himself stepping into Parliament through the MK Party.

This move symbolises a significant transformation for Hlophe, transitioning from a judiciary figure to a prominent political position within the country’s democratic framework.

The appointment of Hlophe was communicated in a memo issued by the party’s secretary, Arthur Zwane, highlighting the urgent need to establish crucial administrative and financial structures.

Parliament has informed the party that its access to allocated funds is contingent on its representation within the National Assembly, prompting swift action from party officials.

Zwane emphasized that key responsibilities and roles have been centralized at the party’s head office, including the management of allocated funds and other valuable resources.