MK Women’s League backs Van Rooyen after Colleen Makhubele gets the boot
MKWL hails Van Rooyen’s appointment, citing commitment to women’s empowerment and socio-economic transformation.
Image: PHANDO JIKELO Parliament of SA
The Umkhonto Wesizwe Women’s League (MKWL) has welcomed Des van Rooyen’s appointment as MK Party chief whip following Colleen Makhubele’s dismissal, saying he will advance socio-economic transformation, gender equality, and women’s empowerment across all spheres of governance.
Former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party announced that it had fired its chief whip in Parliament, Makhubele, replacing her immediately with MK Member of Parliament Van Rooyen.
The party’s official statement did not specify reasons for Makhubele’s dismissal.
However, a senior party insider told IOL the decision followed an internal report which recommended her suspension.
“The internal report against Colleen called for her suspension pending investigations. But we already had all the evidence - there was no need to investigate. The facts were there, and she had to go,” said the insider.
In extending their congratulations the MKWL said Van Rooyen’s appointment showed “proven leadership, revolutionary discipline, and unwavering commitment” to the values and principles of the MK 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,” the statement read.
“As chief whip, Cde Van Rooyen carries the vital responsibility of ensuring cohesion, unity of purpose, and political discipline within the MK Party Parliamentary Caucus.”
The league said his leadership would be central in guiding Members of Parliament to advance the party’s revolutionary mandate to build a just, equal, and people-centred society.
“The MK Women’s League stands in full support of the chief whip and the entire Parliamentary Caucus as they carry forward the struggle for socio-economic transformation, gender equality, and the empowerment of women in all spheres of governance.”
The statement further wished Van Rooyen “strength and wisdom” as he undertakes his new responsibilities in service of the movement and the people of South Africa.
The MK Party’s statement expressed full confidence in Van Rooyen, saying his appointment would strengthen and discipline the Parliamentary Caucus and align it strategically with the party’s historic mission “of completing the total liberation of the South African people.”
“The party assures its supporters and the broader public that the new leadership in Parliament will enrich the work of the caucus, sharpen its political focus, and enhance its ability to represent the will of the people without compromise,” it added.
IOL previously reported that Makhubele allegedly attempted to secure an MK service provider contract worth more than R180,000 per month for a company in which her husband is a director.
The report also claimed she failed a parliamentary vetting process for the Intelligence Portfolio Committee.
Makhubele did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
A second party insider alleged that MK chief of staff Vanessa Calvert was suspended after refusing to authorise the appointment of Makhubele’s husband’s company.
“Vanessa was suspended without charge for three months because of the fallout over the service provider and for refusing to give in to demands to appoint that company,” the insider said.
Calvert confirmed on Wednesday that she had resumed her role as MK chief of staff.
Van Rooyen, infamously dubbed the “weekend special” for his four-day stint as finance minister, becomes the MK Party’s fourth Chief Whip in the National Assembly since the 2024 general election.
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