The future of uMkhonto weSizwe Party Deputy President and Parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe hangs in the balance, as leadership turbulence continues to shake the party.

uMkhonto weSizwe Party is still mum about the enquiry it’s conducting into Hlophe following his suspension.

Political analysts say these developments expose deeper structural weaknesses, with decision-making still closely tied to party founder Jacob Zuma.

The continued suspension of Hlophe has thrust the MKP into the spotlight, raising questions not only about his political future, but about the party’s ability to govern itself effectively.

It is the third largest party and the official opposition in Parliament.

Analysts warn that the leadership shifts are more than internal disagreements, reflecting fundamental structural challenges.

Political analyst Ongama Mtimka says, “The changes we are seeing in leadership reflect the fact that the organisation has not yet developed its independence from the founder. Decision-making is more about pleasing the founder than applying principles of organisational development and sustainability. These are symptoms of a fundamental issue, the party’s infancy in political development. Formed out of political vindictiveness, the party has struggled to establish a clear political programme, leaving it vulnerable to internal conflict and limiting its growth.”

Another analyst, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast, argues that the party’s instability goes far deeper than individual suspensions.

He agrees that the MKP still lacks the internal structures needed to support consistent, independent decision-making.

“The core challenge for MK isn’t just about who is suspended or promoted. Key decisions remain concentrated around Jacob Zuma. Without an elective conference and stronger internal mechanisms, the party struggles to make stable, independent choices. That uncertainty now extends to Hlophe and the deputy leadership.”

The MKP has declined to comment on its probe into Hlophe.

Although he is not suspended from his Parliamentary seat, his future as the Deputy President and Parliamentary leader remains uncertain.-Reporting by Mkhokheli Bandla