Colleen Makhubele resigns as MK Party MP following removal as chief whip

Colleen Makhubele has resigned as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Mkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), with immediate effect. 

Her resignation comes a month after she was removed as the party’s parliamentary chief whip.

Makhubele became an MP in January 2025 and was appointed MK Party’s parliamentary chief whip in May 2025. 

She served in that role for eight months before being axed in January 2026.

In her resignation letter to MK Party leader, former President Jacob Zuma, Makhubele wrote, “I hereby tender my notice of resignation as a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, representing the Mkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), effective February 28, 2026.”

She expressed gratitude to Zuma for the opportunity to serve South Africa and the MKP.

“It has been a privilege to be part of the 7th Democratic Administration and to work in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa - a place that has produced some of the greatest legends of our country.”

Makhubele said she had decided, after careful consideration, that it was in the best interest of the MKP caucus for her to step down.

“I believe that I can better serve our country and its citizens by utilising my skills, qualifications, and experience in a different capacity.”

She encouraged women and youth to make bold decisions and contribute to nation-building.

“As our dynamic and exciting democracy continues to evolve, I want to encourage the women and youth of our country to never shy away from making bold decisions and taking actions that contribute to the betterment of our nation and their future.”

“It is imperative that we all get involved and use our talents to build a unified, progressive, equitable, and prosperous South Africa - a country where our children can live and thrive.”

Makhubele reaffirmed her commitment to African unity and socio-economic transformation.

“This foundation must serve all South Africans, address material inequalities, facilitate the redistribution of wealth and resources, and tackle the dire socio-economic realities faced by the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised communities, especially in rural areas.”

She praised Zuma’s leadership, describing him as an inspiration to young people across South Africa, the continent, and beyond.

Makhubele also reflected on her decision to join MK Party in June 2024, leaving her former party, SARA.

“This call remains as relevant today as ever, despite misrepresentations and concentrated efforts to create divisions both internally and externally. I continue to echo the call for all African leaders in politics to rise above identity politics, party affiliations, personality-driven agendas, and ethnic divisions.”

“We must focus on nation-building, creating an equitable society, fighting poverty and corruption, addressing youth unemployment, and working towards a unified democratic South Africa.”

She expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in her by Zuma and the MKP leadership.

“In the short time I served in Parliament, I was honoured to rise to the highest level of the Official Opposition in Parliament. I will forever cherish the opportunity to serve the nation of South Africa, its citizens, and the MK Party.”

Makhubele extended her best wishes to the new MK Party caucus leadership, and praised their role as a credible and effective opposition.

“The struggle for true freedom, radical socio-economic transformation, African unity, and progress is far from over, as demonstrated by the many black South Africans who placed their hope in MKP during the national elections of 2024.”

“I will continue to contribute my voice, efforts, and time to shape legislation, policies, and debates that fight for a better tomorrow for all South Africans, particularly the historically disadvantaged and marginalised communities, including the indigenous African child - be they Black, Coloured, or Indian.”

The MK Party has recently announced Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi as its new parliamentary chief whip. 

Mokoena-Zondi, a former ANC Youth League leader, previously served as the MK Party Chief Whip in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

IOL News has reached out to MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela for a comment on the matter, but calls and the inquiry on WhatsApp were not answered before the article was published.

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