In a dramatic turn of events, Floyd Shivambu, the former Secretary-General of the MK Party, has announced plans to launch a new political party, despite stating that he will not resign from the MK Party. This announcement follows weeks of speculation about his future after being ousted from his position within the MK Party.
The announcement was made at a media briefing held on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Gauteng. Shivambu addressed the media to clarify his political stance and outline his future plans.
Shivambu stated that over the next few months, he and his team will be consulting with traditional leaders, church leaders, and ordinary South Africans, including prominent figures such as Michael Nkuna, Irvin Khoza, and Patrice Motsepe. The purpose of these consultations is to assess the need for a new political party, determine its values, and identify what would distinguish it from other political parties in South Africa.
Despite this move, Shivambu insisted that he remains a member of the MK Party. "I have not resigned from uMkhonto weSizwe. I will never resign from uMkhonto weSizwe," he affirmed.
The consultation process will also address the crucial issue of funding for the new political party. Shivambu emphasised that this initiative is not a personal project or a venture among friends. Instead, it will involve engaging with people on the ground to gather their input and support. He also announced that the leadership core of the consultations would be revealed next week.
During the briefing, Shivambu addressed the circumstances surrounding his removal as MK Party leader. He claimed that he was accused of attempting to overthrow Jacob Zuma, the leader of the MK Party, based on a "bizarre and fake intelligence report". He further alleged that he was accused of possessing "supernatural" powers to "make people disappear".
Shivambu defended himself against these accusations, stating, "There is nothing I can do privately that I will not accept publicly."
The MK Party has distanced itself from Shivambu's media briefing. MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhela stated that the organisation was not involved with the briefing.
"We know nothing. We are aware of a flyer that’s being flighted on social media, and you have just confirmed yourself, this is not an official presser from the party," Ndhela said.
He further explained that the party follows specific processes for media briefings, including an accreditation process through their website, which was not followed in this case.
The events leading up to Shivambu's announcement have been marked by speculation and uncertainty. His omission from the MK Party's final parliamentary list sparked questions about his future and the party's internal dynamics.
Jacob Zuma's public stance on acting against those who deviate from party principles has been interpreted as a move to consolidate authority, potentially sidelining key figures like Shivambu.
Shivambu's exclusion from Parliament represents a loss of political capital for the seasoned debater and policy tactician. Parliament provides a platform for visibility, influence, and shaping national discourse. Without this platform, Shivambu's influence could diminish.
Political analysts suggest that Shivambu's situation reflects the volatility within South Africa's opposition politics. The MK Party's internal instability undermines its ability to present a credible alternative to the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Shivambu's journey from the EFF to the MK Party, and now the potential formation of a new political party, highlights the challenges opposition parties face in managing dissent and ambition.
Despite the setbacks, Shivambu's intellect and public engagement skills suggest that he may reinvent himself outside Parliament. However, regaining political momentum will be difficult, given the damage to his credibility following his departures from the EFF and the MK Party.
Collen Malatji, the president of the ANC Youth League, has stated that the ANC does not need Shivambu in its ranks, describing him as "a small boy" who lacks support. Malatji expressed a preference for Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF, and dismissed Shivambu as undisciplined and arrogant.
Shivambu's decision to explore the formation of a new political party marks a significant moment in South African politics. The success of this venture will depend on his ability to garner support, articulate a clear vision, and overcome the challenges that have plagued his previous political affiliations.
In a social media post, Shivambu quoted Amilcar Cabral, a prominent African liberation leader: "Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories." This quote suggests that Shivambu intends to be transparent and forthright in his new political endeavour.
Shivambu told journalists that the report included claims of “WhatsApp conversations between me and someone else where I’m reported to be saying that, ‘Ja, I’m going to Parliament now to take over the party, and I’ve got money from Stellenbosch.’”
When Shivambu was announced as the latest member of the MK party in Sandton in August 2024, Zuma sang his praises, saying he was an honest man who met him while he was a young man in the ANC Youth League, the very same Youth League Shivambu was expelled from by the ANC under Zuma’s leadership.
When he joined the MK party, Shivambu said it was the most politically sound decision he had ever made.
Quizzed about this on Thursday, he stood by the decision, saying he had “tremendous respect for Zuma” and that he had learnt more from him in the past six months than he did as a deputy president of EFF in a decade.
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