Charles Esther
The MK Party has officially disassociated itself from Floyd Shivambu’s planned media briefing set to take place on June 18, 2025.
This comes during a time of growing friction within the party, especially after Shivambu’s unexpected removal from his leadership post.
According to party officials, they were neither notified about the event nor did they give permission for party symbols to be used in its promotion.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela emphasized that the MK Party had no prior knowledge of Shivambu’s announcement or its intended message.
He clarified to Independent Online that even he, in his role as spokesperson, had been left completely unaware of the planned event.
Unauthorized Branding and Rising Speculation
Shivambu had promoted the media briefing through his social media channels, promising to address critical issues affecting South Africa.
However, the MK Party expressed concern over the unauthorized use of its logo and identity in the event’s promotional materials.
Ndhlela stated that the party will first listen to what Shivambu says during the event before deciding on further actions.
This development has fueled speculation that Shivambu may use the platform to announce his resignation from the MK Party.
From Secretary-General to Political Uncertainty
Floyd Shivambu became a member of the MK Party in August 2024 after his departure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
He had co-founded the EFF in 2013 alongside Julius Malema but later aligned with the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party.
Within months of joining, Shivambu was appointed as the party’s secretary-general, signaling his quick rise in MK’s leadership ranks.
However, he was soon demoted to the position of an ordinary Member of Parliament.
Recently, his name has been missing from the MK Party’s official list of MPs, raising questions about his current role.
Malawi Visit and Constitutional Violations
Tensions escalated earlier this year following Shivambu’s unsanctioned trip to Malawi during the Easter holidays.
During that trip, he reportedly visited fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri without first seeking approval from the MK Party leadership.
The party later revealed that this visit violated Section 3(j) of its constitution.
That clause explicitly prohibits international travel that conflicts with the goals and values of the organization.
Party leaders felt that the visit damaged their public image and contradicted their core principles.
Public Attacks from Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
Shivambu’s actions have not only strained relations with the leadership but also sparked open hostility within the party.
In February, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of party president Jacob Zuma, launched a verbal attack against him online.
She called him “the worst thing that has ever happened” to the MK Party and described him as useless.
Her harsh criticism added fuel to internal conflicts and drew public attention to the party’s growing disunity.
Jacob Zuma Calls for Party Discipline
Following the online fallout, Jacob Zuma issued a statement urging party members to behave with dignity and mutual respect.
He condemned personal attacks, saying such actions go against the foundational principles of unity and discipline.
Zuma emphasized that internal disagreements should be resolved in ways that strengthen, not divide, the party’s structure.
Shivambu’s Next Move Remains Unclear
As the June 18 briefing approaches, many observers wonder what Shivambu’s next move will be.
Given his political background and experience, there’s speculation that he may form a new political party if he officially exits MK.
His influence as a former co-founder of the EFF and his early success in MK indicate he still holds political weight.
For now, all eyes are on his scheduled media address to determine whether it marks the end of his MK journey.
MK Party Remains Firm on Its Stance
Despite the controversy, the MK Party remains firm that the upcoming event is not sanctioned by the organization.
Leaders have made it clear that Shivambu’s media briefing does not represent the party’s views or decisions.
The internal rift continues to unfold, and its outcome could significantly impact the future of opposition politics in South Africa.
