‘No grudges' but Shivambu takes parting shot at MK party
Former uMkhonto weSiswe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has taken a shot at the party in a statement addressing the termination of his membership.
The party revealed on Friday that it had given Shivambu notice of his expulsion on 15 July, citing allegations Shivambu had made against the party and his forming of a new political alternative.
It said these actions had 'not only publicly defined himself outside the ranks and ideological line of the MK party, but seriously violated the trust placed in him as a member of the MK party.'
The politician later publicly acknowledged the decision and said he had no plans to appeal it.
Reflecting on his 10-month membership, he thanked those he had served with and said he now had time to focus his attention on the Mayibuye Consultation Process and Afrika Mayibuye Movement he announced in June.
In a clear dig at the MK party, and the EFF he left to join it, Shivambu described his movement as not a 'cult' or a family-run political business.
'This process is taking a clear direction toward founding a revolutionary political movement grounded in sound principles, not a cult, and not run by a family.
'It will be a movement dedicated to genuine transformation, inclusivity, and the empowerment of all South Africans.'
Shivambu vs Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
The MK party has long been seen by analysts and critics as being wholly controlled by its leader, former president Jacob Zuma, who had deployed family members to key positions. His daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is an MP and is alleged to have a major influence on party decisions.
There has been open tension between her and Shivambu for months, with the party earlier this year demanding she apologise for insulting him on social media. It was speculated that she may have been behind Shivambu's removal as secretary-general in June. A move that saw Shivambu launch fresh digs seemingly aimed at her.
ALSO READ: Shivambu-MK spat: 'I am willing to take a drug test,' says Nhlamulo Ndhlela
Still, Shivambu insisted on Friday that he holds 'no grudges against any leader or member of the MK Party.'
'Our paths may diverge, but I wish the organisation and all its members well in their future pursuits. May you continue to advance the ideals that are contained in the constitution of uMKhonto weSizwe.'
Shivambu on 'cult' EFF
Speaking during a recent Mayibuye consultation process, Shivambu reflected on his decision to leave the EFF last year, claiming he was uncomfortable with how the party was conducting itself.
'One of the things I was not comfortable with throughout my 10 years in parliament was a culture of disruption and rudeness that characterised those we served with.
'All those things were just planned in a childish way, with no purpose. Sometimes, even when there are areas of agreement,' he told supporters.
He claimed these were orchestrated by 'only one person' and 'not the leadership collective'.
The EFF has been kicked out of several Parliamentary proceedings in the past and last year lost a court challenge against the removal of its MPs during State of the Nation Addresses in 2015 and 2017.
NOW READ: WATCH: Floyd Shivambu 'a total failure as a politician' – analyst
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki Foundation denies claims of opposing National Dialogue
Former president Thabo Mbeki declined an invitation to attend the first convention of the National Dialogue that was held in Pretoria at the weekend. Image: Boxer Ngwenya / Independent Newspapers The Thabo Mbeki Foundations has denied claims that they were planning to create a parallel structure to oppose the National Dialogue, a two-day event that concluded on Saturday at the University of South Africa (Unisa). The foundation, along with other prominent legacy foundations, withdrew from the National Dialogue process a week before it started, citing concerns over its implementation and rushed timelines. Several organizations, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, FW De Klerk Foundation, Solidarity, and Afrikaner Leierskapsnetwerk (Afrikaner Leadership Network, ALN), also withdrew from the National Dialogue, questioning its legitimacy, transparency and effectiveness. The MK Party specifically raised concerns about the financing of the event, while others accused the ANC of using the dialogue to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections. However on Sunday the Mbeki Foundation said there was no plan to start a parallel structure saying the foundations were in constant talks and it was not anything new. Former President Thabo Mbeki just before the event kicked off declined an invitation to attend the national dialogue's first convention and in a letter dated August 12 from Mbeki Foundation chairperson Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi to Nedlac executive director Makhukhu Mampuru, fueled allegations of a parallel structure. Fraser-Moleketi also disputed the characterisation of the upcoming Unisa convention as the "first," stating that the preparatory task team (PTT), operational for 13 months, convenes all public meetings and national conventions of the dialogue. The national dialogue is a result of an agreement among the parties forming the Government of National Unity. While considered Mbeki's brainchild, the process has exposed strained relations between him and President Cyril Ramaphosa. The National Dialogue aimed to engage all South Africans in a countrywide discussion on challenges facing the country and forge a new vision. However, the event revealed a clear disconnect between government officials and ordinary citizens with delegates expressing frustration at being left out of the process, saying they only learned about the convention through the media. Discussions during the proceedings were frequently intense, centered on immediate concerns such as crime, corruption, educational disparities, and the perceived inadequacies of the justice system. In a breakout session on "Crime and Corruption," delegates shared personal stories and emphasised the need for tougher law enforcement, community policing, and quicker legal action. Qophumlando Dlangamandla, a teacher from North West, reportedly said, "I dream of a South Africa where education matters, where rural children are given the same tools as those in Gauteng." Bonginkosi Zwane reportedly spoke emotionally about his young grandson, a victim of rape, and called for the return of the Scorpions, saying, "All that I dream of is the return of Scorpions. Back then, we saw real and swift action against criminals." Tensions came to a head in the main plenary, where President Cyril Ramaphosa was present. Activist Sihle Lubisi addressed the hall directly, criticising the ANC and the organisation of the National Dialogue. "We are the foot soldiers. We know what's happening on the ground. All of you here have bodyguards and we don't. You say it's a National Dialogue, but you shut us down! "You are here because the 2026 elections are coming. You're trying to buy our silence," Lubisi said. The National Dialogue concluded with a call for diverse methods of dialogue, crafted in communities using local knowledge and expertise. Delegates emphasised the importance of inclusivity and citizen-led discussions. Lindiwe Mazibuko, Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group closed the event. "We have come together from all walks of life, engaged in respectful dialogue, and dared to envision a more inclusive, citizen-led future for South Africa." The process to establish a representative Steering Committee was extended by two weeks to accommodate more diversity and ensure nobody is left behind.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Shivambu to consult King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini
Mauibuye Afrika is expected to launch a political party that will add to the country's growing list of political parties. Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary general. Floyd Shivambu is expected to meet Zulu monarch King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini on Monday to consult him about the idea of starting a new political party. Shivambu and other leaders of the Mayibuye Afrika movement are in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend as part of consultations for the formation of a new party that Shivambu will lead. He said he will also report to the King what he has been told by South Africans in the various consultations that he had all over the country. 'Tomorrow we will go speak to the King to say this is what we have heard from the people of KwaZulu-Natal. When he sees the movement existing in the province, he should be in full knowledge of what the people of KwaZulu-Natal have said,' he said. Shivambu told delegates at the consultation gathering in Durban that the new political party, which will come out of the consultation processes, should be able to capture the confidence of South Africans and win elections. 'Thus far majority of the people that have spoken to us they say we should constitute an alternate political movement. 'A political movement is different from a political party they say we should respond to all the crisis and the lack of activism in all sectors of society they say we should constitute a movement that will have unions in it. It must have civil society organisations within it …But it must also have a political party that must contest elections from 2026 onwards and content elections not just for the sake of it, but contest elections with the aim of winning.' ALSO READ: Calls for Kolisi & Co to 'save' the National Dialogue, ActionSA claims convention will cost R25 million Does South Africa need another political party Shivambu said the outcomes of the 2024 general elections show that the current existing political parties have not managed to capture the hearts of the majority of South Africans. 'We have observed that all the political formations and parties that exist in South Africa do not enjoy the support and the confidence of the majority of South Africans that is demonstrated by the simple fact that out of the 42 million adult people in South Africa above the age of 18, less than 18 million people participate in elections. 'So, the majority of adults in South Africa who are eligible to vote have no confidence in any of the existing political parties,' he said. What's next for Mayibuye Afrika? Meanwhile, Shivambu said KZN is the last province that his movement is doing consultations with. He said the organisation will now formalise the structure of the movement and come up with a constitution and other important documents. NOW READ: MK party terminates Floyd Shivambu's membership
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Macpherson restores EPWP funding to Matjhabeng Municipality
An investigation was launched after allegations that EPWP workers were being paid R31 000 per month. The Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has restored funding for EPWP projects in the troubled Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State. Macpherson had frozen funding for EPWP projects after it was alleged that funds were being abused and that some officials in the municipality were being paid enormous salaries through these funds. However, in a media statement on Sunday, Macpherson said he will now release the funds after investigations revealed that EPWP funds have not been misappropriated. 'When I first learned of the allegations, I moved speedily to ensure that public funds are protected and that an investigation be conducted as soon as possible. 'I, therefore, commend departmental officials for conducting the investigation within three weeks, which found that all EPWP funds transferred to Matjhabeng are accounted for, and that grant money was used strictly for its intended purpose – creating work opportunities for unemployed South Africans. 'As the department of Public Works & Infrastructure, we will continue to ensure good governance and accountability,' Macpherson said. The Matjhabeng Local Municipality is one of the most troubled municipalities in the Free State province, with problems with basic delivery, such as water, and the maintenance of infrastructure. They are also in trouble for their massive debt to Eskom and their water supplier. Which workers are getting irregular salaries? Macpherson said it was discovered that the officials who were being paid the controversial salaries are from a supporting unit within the mayor's office. He said they were being paid from the municipality's pocket. 'While these officials' salaries are significantly higher than the EPWP stipend, their contracts are municipal appointments linked to the Executive Mayor's term and fall outside of the EPWP framework. 'While it may be considered unnecessary for such a unit, that is within the political decision-making realm of the mayor and not the minister to determine,' he said. ALSO READ: Macpherson suspends all EPWP funds to municipality Transparency with EPWP in municipalities Macpherson said EPWP projects are essential in creating work opportunities and developing new skills for job seekers. He had been criticised by the municipality and unions for temporarily halting these funds. However, he said there should be transparency with all EPWP projects to ensure public money is used for what it is meant for. 'As we work to reform the EPWP program towards becoming more transparent, a skills-transfer and a hand-up to permanent employment, the integrity of the program is paramount. 'Where allegations arise, we will investigate these speedily and provide feedback to the public as we have done in this case. 'This will ensure that a culture of transparency is built within the programme to keep officials accountable for how funds are distributed. Through this action, we are building a better department which will help us build a better South Africa,' he said. NOW READ: Macpherson breaks silence on IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka bribery attempt
