The decision was confirmed on Wednesday in an official circular issued by party Secretary General Siboniso Nomvalo.

According to the party, the reinstatement follows the conclusion of an internal process that was triggered by Hlophe’s suspension.

Nomvalo stated that Jacob Zuma, who leads the MK Party, had appointed an independent legal panel to investigate allegations levelled against Hlophe.

“The President appointed an independent legal panel led by an advocate to investigate the allegations and make recommendations,” Nomvalo said.

Following the investigation, Zuma held a bilateral meeting with Hlophe where the allegations were discussed extensively.

After this engagement, a decision was taken to reinstate him to both positions with immediate effect.

“The Secretary General hereby informs all structures and members that Dr John Mandlakayise Hlophe resumes his duties as First Deputy President and Parliamentary Party Leader with immediate effect,” Nomvalo confirmed.

The party has called on its members to support Hlophe as he returns to leadership.

Nomvalo encouraged members to extend a warm welcome to Hlophe as he resumes his responsibilities in advancing the party’s objectives, social cohesion and unity.

The reinstatement marks a significant development within the MK Party and is expected to have implications for its parliamentary strategy and internal dynamics moving forward.

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In a statement released late on Monday the MK Party, it has been engaged in meetings with the National Freedom Party (NFP) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to discuss the constitution of a new coalition government in KZN.

“These discussions are ongoing and form part of the efforts to establish a stable, inclusive and effective governance framework for the province. In the spirit of cooperation and inclusive political engagement, we hereby formally invite the African National Congress (ANC) to participate in these discussions. The proposed date for the next engagement is 7 March 2026, with the time and venue to be confirmed in due course.

“We would appreciate confirmation of your delegation and availability at your earliest convenience. We trust that your participation will add meaningful value to the process. We look forward to your positive response and to a constructive engagement in the interests of the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” the statement read.

Sunday Tribune reported that the MKP wanted to push for the second motion of no confidence against Inkatha Freedom Party Premier Thami Ntuli.

The former president Jacob Zuma-led party tabled the first motion against the Cabinet in December, but it fell flat as the majority of the MPLs voted against it.

The MKP, which had the backing of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), had placed its hope on the National Freedom Party’s (NFP) only seat to get numbers to vote in favour of the motion.

However, the NFP’s only MPL, Mbali Shinga, who is the Social Development MEC in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), voted against it.

Shinga is currently facing disciplinary action for defying the party’s instruction to step out of the GPU and to also vote for the motion. If she is found guilty, her membership in the party could be terminated.

The NFP has in the past written a letter to the Speaker of the provincial legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, requesting Shinga’s removal from the MEC position, but Boyce had rejected the request, saying Shinga’s suspension from her party did not meet the constitutional and legal threshold for removal as she’s still a member of the party.

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Makhubela said: “I hereby resignation as a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, representing the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, President J.G. Zuma, for granting me the honour of serving the nation of South Africa, its citizens, and the MK Party.

“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.

Makhubela said: “Burning call to serve in this sacred House, which you generously facilitated, was inspired by the outstanding achievements of our forebearers within the walls of Parliament by any measure or standard, that transcends politics and extends beyond South Africa itself. They shaped the course of this nation, leading it out of the dark horrors of apartheid and its brutal, barbaric laws into a beacon of hope for the African continent and the world.

“Despite its complexities and challenges; South Africa remains a shining example of resilience and progress. Every day, many South Africans place their last hopes and trust in the work of our forebearers, these African giants who crafted and enacted transformative laws that transcend race, gender, religion, and ethnicity, shifting our social relations from discriminatory, exclusionary, and oppressive systems towards an equitable society and human dignity.”

Makhubela said they collectively and consultatively formulated a transformative constitution and its resultant policies aimed at correcting historical injustices, albeit far from perfect, provides for the poor, he is a member of the Parliament.

“I hereby tender my notice of resignation as a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, representing the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, President J.G. Zuma, for granting me the honour of serving the nation of South Africa, its citizens, and the MK Party.

“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.

Makhubela said: “Burning call to serve in this sacred House, which you generously facilitated, was inspired by the outstanding achievements of our forebearers within the walls of Parliament by any measure or standard, that transcends politics and extends beyond South Africa itself. They shaped the course of this nation, leading it out of the dark horrors of apartheid and its brutal, barbaric laws into a beacon of hope for the African continent and the world.

“Despite its complexities and challenges; South Africa remains a shining example of resilience and progress. Every day, many South Africans place their last hopes and trust in the work of our forebearers, these African giants who crafted and enacted transformative laws that transcend race, gender, religion, and ethnicity, shifting our social relations from discriminatory, exclusionary, and oppressive systems towards an equitable society and human dignity.”

Makhubela said they collectively and consultatively formulated a transformative constitution and its resultant policies aimed at correcting historical injustices, albeit far from perfect, provides for the poor.

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A tense exchange in Parliament briefly disrupted the 2026 State of the Nation Address debate on Tuesday after the presiding chair initially declined to recognise former President Jacob Zuma, who attended the sitting in Cape Town.

The moment unfolded as lawmakers debated the address and attention shifted to Zuma’s presence in the House. When members sought formal recognition of the former head of state, the chair ruled that there was no provision for the acknowledgement in the manner being requested.

Zuma, now leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, remains one of the country’s most polarising political figures, and his appearance in high-profile parliamentary settings can quickly raise the temperature in the chamber.

“Go back and read the rules,” EFF MP tells the chair

The atmosphere sharpened when Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Leigh-Ann Mathys challenged the ruling, urging the chair to revisit the House rules and arguing that former heads of state should be acknowledged.

Mathys framed her objection as a matter of principle and procedure, insisting that the rules must be applied consistently, regardless of personal views or party politics. She cited past acknowledgements of former leaders to support her position, warning against decisions that appeared selective or discretionary.

The chair responded firmly, saying a ruling had been made and that proceedings should continue. But Mathys refused to let the issue slide. She pressed for clarity, asking the chair to point to the specific rule behind the decision and arguing that Parliament’s authority rests on transparent, rule-based conduct rather than ad hoc judgments.

Chair later acknowledges Zuma’s presence

After the exchange and rising murmurs in the chamber, the chair ultimately shifted course. Before calling the next speaker, she formally acknowledged Zuma’s presence, recognising him as a former President of the Republic of South Africa who was in attendance.

The moment brought the standoff to a close and allowed the debate to move forward, but not without leaving a clear impression. It was a reminder of how quickly symbolism and procedure can collide in Parliament, especially during the charged atmosphere of SONA debates, where every gesture carries weight and every decision is scrutinised.

What happens next

While the immediate dispute ended with Zuma being acknowledged, the exchange exposed the deeper tensions that continue to shape parliamentary politics. It also renewed questions about how the House interprets its own rules in sensitive moments, and how leaders in the chair balance order, precedent, and political realities when the spotlight is at its brightest.

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Sibiya testified at the Madlanga Commission that there l was a march planned in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by the MK Party in support of General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Then the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, called him and instructed him to go to KZN to receive the memorandum from the MK Party, despite being aware of his strained relationship with Mkhwanazi.

Sibiya said he was mocked at the Adhoc committee mainly by MK representative and he continued to be made a joke even after his attendence.

“The MK Party is the one goes and open a criminal case agaunst me and Minister Senzo Mchunu for deafiting the ends of justice innrelation to the 121 dockets. Then I had to go and account to the nation and face the MK Party which opened the case against me,” he said.

Sibiya told Madlanga Commission that the statement used to justify a raid on his home was later cited by the MK Party when they opened a case against him and that they subsequently organized a march against him at the SAPS head office.

“The reason I raised this matter was because there Honourable David Skosana who opened a case against me. All I was being humiliating questions, I was humiliated publicly, I was being underminded. They were speaking down on me throughout. MK Party opened the case against me, the same MK statement us being used by Brigadier Kunene to raid my house,” he said.

He said Mkhwanazi has a large social media following and suspect that he has a hand in it while they (Generals) are not allowed to have such.

The Madlanga Commission further heard Sibiya accusing Mkhwanazi of using social media to push a narrative he was a saint.

“What worries me is that, you see when you look all the provincial commissioners no one you will see on social media, no one is being spoken about on social media. They don’t have followers because we are no allowed to be on social media as policeman.

“But you have this one police commissioner who is always on social media everyday. Now you have political parties fighting to have him. He is supported by the MK. I spoke to one MMC he was asking what was going on and he wanted to underdstand what was going on. Now we have this person who have many accounts and many followers,” he said.

Retired Constitutional Court Judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga interjected and asked Sibiya if Mkhwanazi has a social media account or not.

“Does General Mkhwanazi have an account on social media or do you know if he has an account? If it is latter, you can’t expect him to control what people want to post,” said Madlanga.

Sibiya responded by saying: “Commissioner I must say directly or indirectly there is no way he is not involved. If this is the case that he has no control of what people say about him, It cannot be that it must be about Mkhwanazi only. What I want to say is that all the photos, videos it is always on social media. When you say something here, there is a lot of attacks I get,” he said.

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Many were surpised when EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys urged Mtshweni-Tsipane to revisit the House rules after she declined to recognise former President Jacob Zuma, who is also attending the 2026 SONA debate.

“House chair, I think you must go back and read the rules correctly regarssless of how you feel of former President Zuma, we aknowldged state presidency here in this house. You need to go to your rules, you cannot say that there is no provision to aknowledge the former state president. It’s not true.

“Whether you like former President Zuma or not, whether he is part of your party l, doesn’t have membership, its immaterial. He was once upon a time a state president. Do the right thing. You even acknowledged De Klerk, the whole murderer who is roasting now in hell,” she argued.

Mtshweni-Tsipane later interjected and said she has made a ruling on this matter and that the proceedings must continue.

Mathys did not back down as she argued that Mtshweni-Tsipane must do the right thing whether she did not like Zuma.

“Which rules did you read to say that? Can you refer us to the rule that says you must not acknowledge the former state president. You can’t just rule just out of your head. This is not the ANC NEC meeting. We are in parliament and there rules here,” she argued.

“Before I call upon the next speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and acknowledge the presence of former Republic of South Africa President Jacob Zuma. He is  here with us today,” she said.

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This comes after the committee tried to get subpoenas for forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and North West businessman Brown Mogotsi to testify in Cape Town. The National Assembly Speaker wasn’t keen on issuing them.

Nomvalo told reporters that some of these requests from witnesses are getting out of hand. For example, he pointed out that Mogotsi should provide a police report proving there’s a real security threat against him. “You can’t just act like a spoiled kid,” Nomvalo said. “Next thing you know, they’ll be demanding pizza, bacon, eggs, or even gifts for their girlfriends on Valentine’s Day.”

He stressed that there needs to be official confirmation from trained police about any dangers. Nomvalo also criticized the Speaker for not helping the committee use its powers under the Constitution, which allows Parliament to summon anyone for evidence.

Recently, O’Sullivan pushed back against Nomvalo and the MK Party after the MP said he should come back to South Africa to testify in person. O’Sullivan had offered to do it virtually from London and denied fleeing to avoid the committee.

Nomvalo called O’Sullivan’s attitude disrespectful. “He’s been threatening MPs and witnesses, showing no respect for Parliament,” he said. “We decided to subpoena him because he acts like he’s above it all, like a spoiled brat. He doesn’t get that things are different now with the MK Party involved, he’s not dealing with his old buddies he used to control.”

The committee is chaired by Molapi Soviet Lekganyane and is focused on these serious allegations.

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Former President Zuma submitted his application on 15 December 2025, followed days later by former President Mbeki and four former Cabinet ministers. The Commission heard arguments on both applications on 16 January 2026.

The applications are strongly opposed by the Calata Group, which represents 25 families and survivors of people who were forcibly disappeared or murdered during the struggle against apartheid. The evidence leaders appointed to the Commission have also rejected the recusal bids, arguing that they lack merit.

The Commission itself was established in May 2025 to investigate whether attempts were made to obstruct investigations or prosecutions linked to Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. Although it was originally expected to complete its work within six months, delays and logistical challenges led to an extension of its mandate until July 2026.

The timing of the recusal applications has raised concern. They were filed only during the extended period, not during the Commission’s initial months of operation. If successful, the applications would effectively halt the Commission’s work until a new chairperson is appointed, making it highly unlikely that the inquiry could finish its mandate within the remaining time.

Former President Zuma’s application is sharply worded and includes accusations and statements the Commission has described as inappropriate and unsupported by evidence. He argues that the chairperson should step aside due to both actual bias and a reasonable apprehension of bias.

Former President Mbeki’s application, while more measured in tone, also claims that there is a reasonable perception of bias and questions the chairperson’s continued role.

Both former Presidents rely on similar arguments, pointing to the chairperson’s past roles within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority. Because of this overlap, the Commission has elected to consider the applications together and issue a single ruling.

As the Commission works against the clock, the outcome of these applications could determine whether it completes its task or faces further delays in addressing one of the most sensitive legacies of South Africa’s past.

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Zuma is alleged to have travelled to Russia at the end of September to try and intervene in the matter relating to 17 people that were lured to join the Ukraine-Russia war.

According to close sources within the Zuma family in Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the is not well between the Zuma’s in Nkandla.

This comes after it has emrged that three of the 17 people are from the Zuma family and they are related to the fired former president African National Congress (ANC).

Over the past weekend the Hawks arrested five people including the SAfm Radio Presenter Nonkululeko Mantula (39).

Other co-accused are Thulani Mazibuko (24) Xolani Ntuli (47) Siphamandla Tshabalala (23) and Sifiso Mabena (21).

The suspects are expected back at the Kempton Park Magistrate Court within seven days to apply for bail where they are facing charges of contravening the Foreign Military Assistance Act.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was forced to voluntary resign as the member of parliament on Friday to focus on bringing back the 17 South Africans stuck in the Ukraine-Russia war.

The Zuma relatives who who cannot be named and who were lured to the Ukraine-Russia war are aged between (34), (28) and the grandchild who is (26)

Two members of the Zuma family who spoke to spoke to MDN News on condition that they remain anonymous said that the situation was bad between the members of the family.

“The situation is really bad. The families are not on speaking terms. The two boys who are stuck in that Ukraine-Russia war are Msholozi’s sons. His late older brother was their father. We are basically family. The problem about this is the fact this has become a war of both families as no one has bothered to call a family meeting to discuss the mess that Duduzile and her cronies did,” said the member.

Another family member said that the mother of the two boys has met Zuma but there was no way forward after the meeting.

“The mother of the two boys, who happens to be the wife of Zuma’s older brother took it upon herself to go and meet with her brother in law to find a solution to the mess that Duduzile created. She came back empty handed, the meeting was fruitless because aince then we are all hearing things fromthe media.

“The culprit is Duduzile. She is blueticking us and not saying a word to us as the family. She has never met any of the mothers of these boys who are overseas. The last time one of us spoke to her was when she was welcoming the boys in Russia and handed them over to the Russians. After that she has been scarce here in Nkandla. We think there was a lot of money involve which tempted her to recruit people for the Russians. All we want is for the family to work together and bring our boys back at home. If she’s indeed involved or she was blindsided, she must go and defdend herself in court,” another family member said.

Attempts to get comment from MK Party National Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela proved fruitless as the calls and WhatsApp messages were ignored.

It will be remembered that Zuma’s older daughter, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, opened a criminal case against her sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, in connection with the 17 South African men who were allegedly lured to Russia and sent to fight in Ukraine without their consent.

Zuma-Mncube said she had laid charges at the Sandton police station on November 22, and one of the people she is opening a case against is her sister.

She further said in her affidavit that out of all the 17 men, eight of them were close family members.

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