
New MK Party member Peter de Villiers (left) with party deputy president John Hlophe (right) in Paarl on 15 January 2025. (Picture Credits: @MKWesternCape/X)
Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has officially joined the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma. De Villiers was previously a member of the Good Party, which is lead by Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille.
Rumors about de Villiers’ connection to the MK Party started after he was spotted at former judge John Hlophe’s farm. A video and images of the event circulated on social media, leading to speculation. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela later confirmed that de Villiers is indeed now a member of the Zuma-led party.
In February 2024, de Villiers was suspended by the Good Party due to allegations of sexual misconduct. He was reportedly fired from the party in March 2024. The Good Party’s secretary-general, Brett Herron, said that de Villiers was suspended after a complaint of sexual misconduct was filed by a party member. He emphasized that the party’s constitution is strict on gender relations and gender-based violence, applying to all members regardless of their position.
Peter de Villiers (67), was the Springboks’ coach from 2008 to 2011. His tenure ended with a controversial loss to Australia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. Despite mixed opinions about his time as coach, de Villiers led the national team to 30 wins out of 48 tests, giving him a 62.5% win rate. This includes a 47% win rate against the All Blacks, having played them 11 times, winning 5 and losing 6.