Disgraced former judge Hlophe heading to Parliament as MK Party chief whip
In February, Hlophe made history as the first judge to be impeached in democratic South Africa.
FILE: Former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe. Picture: judgesmatter.co.za
JOHANNESBURG - Impeached Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, is headed for Parliament after being appointed as chief whip of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
An internal memo announced Hlophe's appointment, this as the organisation tries to set up its administration and financial operations in the National Assembly.
The political newcomer, fronted by former President Jacob Zuma, garnered 58 seats in the 29 May elections, however, the party refused to attend the first sitting and the swearing-in of members of Parliament last week.
In February, Hlophe made history as the first judge to be impeached in democratic South Africa.
Through the MK Party, the disgraced former judge will be taking a seat in Parliament – this being the very tenant of the country’s democracy which paved the way for his impeachment.
This time, he comes in as the chief whip of the new kid on the block, which is yet to take up its 58 seats in the National Assembly.
Hlophe's appointment was announced in a memo by secretary, Arthur Zwane on Thursday, who also informed party structures of the critical need to set up administrative and financial operations.
This, Zwane explained, was mainly due to communication from Parliament, which said that the allocation of funds to the organisation was dependent on its representation in the House.
The secretary also said that key roles and responsibilities had been centralised to head office, including dealing with the allocated funds and other resources.