The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has appointed Des van Rooyen as its Chief Whip of the Parliamentary Caucus with immediate effect, replacing Colleen Makhubele, who was appointed to the position in May, following the removal of Mzwandile Manyi.

Last month, media reports stated that Makhubele failed the vetting process required to serve on Parliament’s Intelligence Committee.

Van Rooyen joined the party last year.

The MKP said it had full confidence that under Van Rooyen’s stewardship, the Parliamentary Caucus would be “strengthened, disciplined and more strategically aligned” with the party's mission of liberating South Africans.

The party thanked Makhubele for her service in the role and assured supporters and the broader public that the new leadership in Parliament would “enrich the work of the Caucus, sharpen its political focus” and represent the will of the people without compromise.

The MKP Women’s League (MKPWL) congratulated Van Rooyen, saying the appointment was a recognition of his “proven leadership, revolutionary discipline and unwavering commitment” to the values and principles of the party.

“…throughout his years of service in the liberation movement, he has demonstrated loyalty, integrity and dedication to advancing the cause of the oppressed and marginalised,” stated MKPWL secretary-general Lindi Mtshali.

She said Van Rooyen’s leadership would be central in guiding the party’s Members of Parliament to advance the “revolutionary mandate” of the party to build a just, equal and people-centred society.