The National Assembly (NA) Rules Committee announced on Friday that the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) is the official opposition party in Parliament.

Parliament explained that traditionally, the leader of the political party with the second-largest number of seats in the NA occupies the position of Leader of the Opposition.

Following the national and provincial elections in May, which culminated in the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), with the Democratic Alliance joining the GNU, the MKP now becomes the official opposition.

“Dr John Hlophe is the leader of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party in the Assembly and, therefore, in line with the Constitution and the NA Rules, he becomes the Leader of the Opposition,” Parliament said.