Johannesburg – Former Johannesburg Council Speaker Colleen Makhubele has left the SA Rainbow Alliance (SARA) to join the uMkhonto weSizwe party.
Announcing her new move to join the MK party on Thursday, (29 August 2024), Makhubele, a former member of Congress of the People, said: “I am today, as a young woman taking this unprecedented pregnant step, ready to sacrifice, ready to serve, and looking forward with a mixture of determination, humility, a bit of anxiety, and excitement to the untold possibilities that lie ahead”.
The former SARA member added: “I am conscious and very much awake to the consequences of this decision and the reality that this will be a ruthless battle with the established order that relentlessly perpetuates harsh attitudes, malicious propaganda, and hate narratives towards those who sympathise, stand by, and support the progressive movement.
“’Progressive forces’ is a dirty word to them, and these ‘radicals’ must be fought with all might of their resources and heavy-handedly biased media in favour of a dominant ideology and the ‘GNU’.”
In a statement, the MK said it “welcomes” Makhubele to the “vanguard of the nation”.
The MK statement added: “Her announcement could not have come at a better time as Women’s Month draws to a close.
“Comrade Makhubele has a robust background as a public servant as the former Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and Chairperson of Chairpersons at the CoJ Council.”
Makhubele was previously Chairperson of the Board of Metropolitan Trading Company at the CoJ under the Department of Economic Development and also served as both chairperson of the Board and non-executive director of the South African Post Office.
She is a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa and serves as a Trustee of the HCL Foundation Trust.
The MK pointed out that Makhubele holds several qualifications including a B:Informa on Technology Engineering Hons Degree (Malaysia) and a Masters in Business Administration (Milpark).
“Her sheer brilliance and tenacity of championing the revolution and unapologetically standing up for what is fair and just as well with the new era the party finds itself chartering, which is one characterised by bold political strategy, unwavering commitment to the people, and a clear vision for the future,” the statement said.
“We are confident that Comrade Makhubele will not only confidently defend the revolution but she will work tediously to help the party in achieving economic freedom in our lifetime and rightfully returning land to our people.”
