Duduzile Zuma, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, was sworn in as a new MP on Tuesday alongside other members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
Zuma was sworn in alongside other MK Party members, including impeached former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, Andile Mngxitama, and Des Van Rooyen.
The party won 58 members in the National Assembly, surpassing the Economic Freedom Fighters to become South Africa’s third-largest party following the May 29 general elections.
“We are now the official opposition,” said Hlope, who was sworn in on Tuesday as the MK Party’s top whip.
Party members were scheduled to be sworn in last week, but they chose to skip the actual swearing-in of MPs in the National Assembly due to their protest of vote rigging charges with the IEC.
Duduzile Zuma has consistently offered her father strong public support since he was president and facing criticism for his alleged corruption deals and legal troubles.
She stuck with him when he revealed that he would be running for the MK after leaving the African National Congress.
In an unexpected move, MK announced that impeached former Judge John Hlophe would be sworn in after being appointed as the party’s top whip.
Hlophe, 65, was impeached as Judge President of the High Court for severe misconduct.
Addressing the media as a member of parliament, Hlope stated that they were elected to work and that they will remain above petty politics.
“We have been elected by the people of this country, we are here to work, we consider that as our role. We are going to engage in a robust debate but in a respectful manner. But make no mistake, we are not going to allow ourselves to be bullied by anyone. We are adults and we know why we are here,’’ he said.
