Floyd Shivambu outlines his political ambitions during a media briefing in Midrand on 19 June 2025. Thabiso Goba/EWN.
(The Post News)– In a much-anticipated press conference on Thursday afternoon, Floyd Shivambu announced that he is embarking on a process to start a political party over the upcoming months. A party that he describes as being of and for the people of South Africa—”not an individual, family, or tribal project”.
Shivambu clarified that he remains a member of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and has not resigned but said he is beginning a process of consultation with South Africans to determine whether there is public support for such a party. He insisted that this move does not violate MK’s rules—unless the party states or thinks otherwise.
He further denied speculation that he was removed from his post as Secretary General for allegedly plotting against MK leader Jacob Zuma. While expressing deep respect for Zuma, Shivambu sharply criticised those surrounding the MK leader, calling them “political scoundrels” who exploit Zuma’s “kindness” and “gullibility that comes with age” to manipulate him with fake intelligence and mislead him.
He alleged that these individuals are syphoning party funds, citing an example of a withdrawal of over R7 million. Praising Zuma as a mentor, Shivambu claimed he learnt more in six months with MK than his time in the EFF, which he described as a “cult with no space for ideological reasoning”. He also branded the ANC as “directionless” and beholden to the white establishment before announcing his plans to possibly form a new political party.
Shivambu announced that next week, they will be announcing a leadership call for individuals from all provinces.
Why was Floyd removed as Secretary General of uMkhonto weSizwe?
Floyd Shivambu was removed from his position as Secretary-General of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party on 3 June 2025, following weeks of internal turmoil and public controversy. His dismissal was formally announced by the party’s national chairperson, Nkosinathi Nhleko, who stated that Shivambu’s unsanctioned trip to Malawi to visit fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri violated the MK Party constitution. According to Nhleko, the party “was left with no other option” but to act swiftly due to the serious implications of the trip for the MK’s image and principles.
Shivambu had joined MK in August 2024 after leaving the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), where he had served as deputy president. His swift rise within MK to Secretary-General angered founding members, who accused him of centralising power, sidelining organisers, and limiting access to Jacob Zuma. Though Jacob Zuma did not name him directly, he later suggested during the launch of the MK Youth League that some secretaries-general had been removed due to misconduct. Shivambu, however, has since disputed this explanation, arguing that his removal was politically motivated and due to factional agendas within the party. The MK announced Shivambu would be redeployed to parliament; however, Shivambu’s name still has not appeared on the party’s list of parliamentary candidates.
Now, with his proposed new party on the horizon, the question remains: if South Africans back the idea, how will Shivambu campaign for this party while still affiliated with the MK?
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