Afrika Mayibuye Movement's Gala Dinner: A Seat with Shivambu for R2 Million
Johannesburg – The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is generating considerable discussion with its announcement of a fundraising gala dinner, where a seat at the table alongside party leader Floyd Shivambu is priced at a substantial R2 million. The event, scheduled for 28 November at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Gauteng, has already drawn attention due to the high price tag associated with access to key party figures.
Gala dinners as fundraising tools are not new in South African politics. Several political parties have employed this strategy, but these events often face scrutiny and raise concerns about the potential for undue influence. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), where Shivambu previously served as deputy president, made headlines in 2023 when they offered a seat at a dinner with party president Julius Malema for R1.2 million. An anonymous buyer acquired that seat, sparking debate about the accessibility of political leaders and the influence of wealthy donors.
Now, two years later, Shivambu is offering access for an even higher price. The "Mayibuye Diamond" table package offers a supporter the opportunity to dine with him for R800,000 more than Malema's seat commanded.
For the R2 million investment, the Mayibuye Diamond package promises not only the company of Floyd Shivambu but also a three-course meal and live entertainment. The party hopes the event "will bring together business leaders, philanthropic partners, professionals and activists in a national effort to restore dignity, accountability, economic justice and ethical leadership”.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement aims to partner with attendees in several key areas. These include developing leadership pipelines for women and youth, strengthening the organisation's integrity, governance, and overall capacity, and "building a national movement committed to justice, unity and restoration."
Other packages are available at varying price points, offering different levels of access and benefits. For example, a package offering the company of the party’s deputy president, Robert Nwedo, is priced at R1.5 million, while other options start from R10,000.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has stated that the proceeds from the gala dinner will be dedicated to funding its First National Convention, scheduled for December 2025. This convention will take place at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.
According to the party, "This Convention marks a decisive moment in South Africa’s democratic journey and our collective struggle for total freedom and emancipation now!"
The party envisions the convention as a significant event, bringing together a diverse range of voices to shape the future direction of the movement and the nation.
“It will assemble delegates from all provinces; leaders of our women, youth and students movements; worker representatives through MAWUSA; traditional and royal leaders; religious bodies; community organisers; academics; and international allies."
The convention will serve as a platform for these participants to "refine our foundational documents, affirm our programme of action, and chart a principled path to collective power for the future of our nation,” the party explained.
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