The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has appointed former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Mzwanele Manyi as its chief whip in Parliament with immediate effect.

The MKP expressed confidence in Manyi’s leadership, saying he would further strengthen the party’s commitment to serving people with integrity and dedication.

Manyi replaced Sihle Ngubane, who the party said would continue to serve as an ordinary member of the National Assembly participating in the committees to which he had been assigned.

Ngubane was previously removed as secretary-general and replaced with Arthur Zwane before being appointed as the chief whip.

Manyi was sworn in as an MKP MP on Wednesday with former State agency executives former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa CEO Lucky Montana, former Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama and former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe.

The party also swore in Gezani Eric Kobane, Thulani Innocent Gamede, Thembinkosi Siboniso Mjadu and Nompumelelo Matilda Gasa. 

Manyi resigned from the EFF earlier this month following the resignation of the party’s former deputy leader Floyd Shivambu, who is now the MKP's national organiser.

The MKP said Manyi brought a “wealth of executive experience”, as he had served in government as a director general and led as a corporate executive in the private sector.

“His extensive expertise will add impetus to the ongoing work within the party, whilst building upon the solid foundation laid by honourable Ngubane,” the MKP said.