Former Western Cape judge president and uMkhonto Wesizwe party leader to Parliament, John Hlophe at the swearing-in ceremony of MK party members at Goodhope Chamber in Cape Town, South Africa. 25 June 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) 
Dr John Hlophe, the former Western Cape Judge President who was impeached for gross misconduct, has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament. Hlophe will lead former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party in the National Assembly, marking a significant and contentious moment in the country’s legislative history.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Rogues’ gallery — impeached Judge Hlophe set to lead the MK party in Parliament
Hlophe, who made history as the first judge to be impeached in South Africa, took his oath of office on Tuesday afternoon. His impeachment stemmed from allegations of attempting to influence judicial decisions in favour of former President Jacob Zuma. Despite his controversial past, Hlophe has now transitioned from the judiciary to the political arena, leading the MK party, a faction formed by Zuma loyalists.
In his first remarks as an MP, Hlophe asserted his preferred title: “I used to be a judge, and I prefer to be called Dr Hlophe”. His appointment as the MK party’s parliamentary leader underscores the party’s commitment to challenging the status quo under the current ANC leadership.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-25-at-10.46.34.jpg "Members of uMkhonto Wesizwe party arriving at Parliament for registration, including daughter of Jacob Zuma Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla (right). (Photo: Phando Jikelo / Parliament of SA)")
Joining Hlophe in Parliament are several notable figures, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of Jacob Zuma, and Andile Mngxitama, both of whom are known for their strong loyalty to Zuma. Also sworn in was Des Van Rooyen, infamously nicknamed “weekend special” after his brief stint as Finance Minister during Zuma's presidency, a tenure that lasted only a few days before being rescinded amid public outcry.
Hlophe emphasised that former President Zuma remains the leader of the MK party, while he will head the party’s activities in Parliament. He echoed sentiments from fellow MK party members who argue that the ANC, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, no longer represents the values they once joined the party for.
Read more in Daily Maverick: The mixed forces behind Zuma’s MK party – fed up ANC members, taxi industry, tenderpreneurs, ex-fighters
Expressing his readiness to engage in Parliament, Hlophe stated, “We have been elected to work. We will do our best to stay above petty politics. We are going to engage in a robust debate but in a respectful manner. But make no mistake, we are not going to allow ourselves to be bullied.” Hlophe revealed that EFF leader Julius Malema is among the MPs offering assistance to the MK party as they navigate their new roles in the National Assembly.
While Dr Hlophe has taken his seat in Parliament, he made it clear that this does not signify the abandonment of the MK party’s legal challenges against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). He reiterated the party's stance that the election results were rigged and confirmed that their case is ongoing in the appropriate legal forums.
Read more in Daily Maverick: MK party’s vote-rigging case against IEC is strong on theatrics but weak on evidence, say legal experts
Regarding his potential involvement in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Hlophe declined to comment, stating that the party has yet to take a definitive position on the matter.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-25-at-13.38.00-1.jpg "ANC member Zizi Kodwa (left) with members of the MK party being sworn in as members of Parliament. 25 June 2024. (Photo: Phando Jikelo / Parliament of SA)")
The swearing-in ceremony saw notable attendees, including EFF member and former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who herself faced impeachment. Mkhwebane was present to support her husband, David Skosana, who has also taken up a seat as an MP.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Former Public Protector Mkhwebane’s wild ride – from purging ‘demonic forces’ to the ‘trivial matter’ of perjury charges
Another controversial figure who was sworn in was former minister Zizi Kodwa who is currently out on bail following corruption charges. Kodwa did not stay a minute after the ceremony, evading the media.
As the MK party settles into its parliamentary role, the South African political landscape continues to evolve. The party’s actions and alliances, especially with figures like Julius Malema, will undoubtedly influence the dynamics within the National Assembly. Hlophe’s leadership will be a focal point as the MK party seeks to assert its presence and advocate for its vision of governance in South Africa. DM