The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced the removal of Floyd Shivambu from his position as Secretary-General, following an unsanctioned visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi. Party President Jacob Zuma confirmed the decision during a press briefing in Durban, stating that Shivambu’s actions contravened the party’s constitution.
According to MK Party officials, Shivambu’s trip violated Section 3(j) of the party’s constitution, which prohibits members from undertaking international engagements that conflict with the party’s agenda or that of allied organisations. The visit was not approved by the party leadership and was deemed inconsistent with its values and principles.
In response to the breach, the MK Party has redeployed Shivambu to the National Assembly, where he is expected to strengthen the party’s parliamentary caucus. The party emphasized that this move is not a dismissal but a strategic reassignment to leverage Shivambu’s political experience in a legislative capacity.
The decision comes amid internal tensions within the MK Party, with some members expressing concerns over Shivambu’s leadership style and decision-making processes. Despite his instrumental role in building the party’s mobilisation structures, Shivambu’s relationship with sections of the leadership had reportedly deteriorated.
Political analysts have noted that the swift action taken by the MK Party reflects a commitment to upholding its constitutional guidelines and maintaining organisational discipline. The party has not yet announced a replacement for the Secretary-General position.
Shivambu, a former deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), joined the MK Party in August 2024 and was appointed Secretary-General shortly thereafter. His redeployment to Parliament marks a significant shift in his political trajectory within the MK Party.
