MK to assume role of official opposition in Parliament - Hlophe

The former Western Cape Judge President briefed the media on Tuesday, shortly after taking the oath of office as a Member of Parliament.

Hlophe, who is one of only two judges to be impeached since 1994, announced that the MK party would assume the role of the official opposition in Parliament.

This is due to the second-biggest party, the DA, forming part of the government of national unity.

He was amongst the 58 members of Parliament who were sworn in at Parliament's Goodhope Chamber.

The ceremony was presided over by Western Cape Acting Judge President Justice Patricia Goliath.

Hlophe promised that the MK party would rise above petty politics and respectfully engage in robust debates.

 "We have been elected to work. We will do our best to stay above petty politics. 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," he warned.

Hlophe also said EFF leader Julius Malema’s promised to assist him as the party prepares to join the Progressive Caucus.

"We are going to work very closely with other progressive parties in the opposition. I have in mind the EFF, I have in mind the ATM and other progressive parties," he said.

He said the party's main priority is the issue of land redistribution.

 "We stand for the issue of land in this country, and we are not apologetic about it. The land in Africa can never be the subject of private ownership. The land belongs to the nation. It does not form part of private ownership."

Former president Jacob Zuma will remain the party’s leader, while Hlophe will lead the MPs in Parliament.

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