By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
John Hlophe, a former judge who was impeached for misconduct four months ago, has been sworn in as an MP for Jacob Zuma's party, uMkhonto weSizwe . Hlophe is among the 58 MK MPs sworn in after the party ended its boycott of the parliament following the 29 May elections. Despite his impeachment for trying to influence justices in a case related to Zuma, Hlophe was appointed to lead MK in parliament.
The ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, partly due to MK's emergence as the third largest party. Zuma campaigned for MK after a fallout with the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa. The ANC has since formed a coalition with the Democratic Alliance and eight smaller parties to establish a new government.
MK, which had been boycotting parliament over alleged electoral irregularities, swore in its MPs more than a week after other parties. MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated that ending the boycott did not signify acceptance of the election results and praised Hlophe as a seasoned activist. Hlophe expressed gratitude to Zuma and criticized the current state of the ANC.
Constitutional expert Lawson Naidoo noted that while the constitution bars an impeached president from holding public office, it does not prevent an impeached judge from doing so. MK and the Economic Freedom Fighters are expected to be the main opposition, while the ANC and DA negotiate cabinet positions. Ramaphosa will announce his cabinet once a deal is finalized.