John Hlophe is expected to return as the MK Party's first deputy president and leader in Parliament on Thursday, according to an internal circular seen by News24.

• Former Western Cape High Court Judge John Hlophe has been reinstated as MK Party’s first deputy president and parliamentary leader.
• MK Party president Jacob Zuma lifted Hlophe’s suspension after an investigation into allegations against him.
• Hlophe’s reinstatement follows a bilateral meeting with Zuma, aiming to advance the party’s objectives.

Former Western Cape High Court Judge John Hlophe has made a sensational return to the MK Party’s leadership fold.

Hlophe was expected to return as the party’s first deputy president and its leader in Parliament on Thursday, according to an internal circular seen by News24.

The letter, dated 18 March, was written by newly appointed secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo.

News24 was also alerted to Hlophe’s return by two sources.

In November, party president Jacob Zuma summarily suspended Hlophe as his deputy and as party caucus leader after Hlophe fired the party’s then-chief whip, Colleen Makhubele.

READ | Zuma vs Hlophe: Rogue moves and ‘misunderstanding’ leave MKP caucus leaderless

In a letter to all party structures and the general membership, Nomvalo wrote that Zuma had decided to reinstate Hlophe with immediate effect.

“The suspension of Dr Hlophe arose out of matters that necessitated the president to appoint an independent legal panel, led by an advocate, to investigate allegations levelled at Dr Hlophe, and make recommendations to the president on the necessary course of action.”

He wrote:

“The secretary-general, therefore, hereby encourages members to extend their warm reception to Dr Hlophe as he assumes his duties with immediate effect in pursuit of the party’s objectives, social cohesion and human solidarity,” Nomvalo wrote.

Zuma suspended Hlophe in November during a late-night reshuffle.

Hlophe was suspended as the party’s deputy president and parliamentary caucus leader with immediate effect, pending an investigation into his conduct.

READ | Zuma suspends Hlophe, reverses Des van Rooyen appointment

He was replaced by Colleen Makhubele, who has since left the party.

The party’s deputy president, Tony Yengeni, said matters relating to the deployment and participation of MPs were guided by internal organisational processes, which were ongoing and not always open to public speculation.

“We note the interest regarding advocate John Hlophe. At the appropriate time, the organisation will communicate any developments through its established channels. For now, it would be premature to confirm or deny the specifics you have raised,” Yengeni added.