The political future of Floyd Shivambu, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), is hanging by a thread amid escalating criticism from allies, adversaries, and political heavyweights alike.
Shivambu’s removal from his senior MKP post earlier this month has fueled intense speculation about his next move — with some suggesting he may be gearing up to launch a political party of his own.
The first and perhaps most scathing attack came from ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji, who bluntly dismissed Shivambu as “a small boy” with no real support base.
“I don’t want Floyd in the ANC; I want Julius,” Malatji said, referring to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. He added that former president Jacob Zuma had merely “used and spat out” Shivambu, and that the ANC would be in danger if it opened its doors to him.
“Floyd hates the ANC, and the ANC hates him. Julius has a support base — Floyd doesn’t,” said Malatji.
Zuma Holds the Line
Amid reports that some MKP members intended to protest Shivambu’s removal during the June 16 Youth Day rally in Durban, party leader Jacob Zuma made it clear that dissent would not be tolerated.
“If those people want to start their own party, they should go ahead,” Zuma declared. “We are not going to be apologetic or bow down to individuals. Decisions are made at the highest level.”
He emphasized that even prominent or educated members must respect party discipline. “It is the high command that decides who causes problems and who does not,” Zuma added.
Malema Backs Off
Meanwhile, Shivambu’s longtime political ally and EFF commander-in-chief Julius Malema has also distanced himself from his former comrade.
In August, Malema had made an impassioned plea suggesting Shivambu could return to the EFF at any time. That door now seems closed. Malema has since said Shivambu’s return is not up to him but must be decided by the EFF’s Central Command Team in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Malema also threw cold water on any idea that Shivambu could elevate the MKP’s performance in Parliament, following claims that his new role was to help coordinate the party’s participation in the National Assembly.
“If you’re saying this person is going to be a holy spirit and boost the MK Party’s presence in those committees, it’s practically impossible,” Malema said. “He cannot match the kind of leadership that we have deployed.”
Plans for a New Party?
While Shivambu’s name has been conspicuously absent from MKP’s parliamentary list — despite at least 10 vacant seats — whispers within political circles suggest that he might be quietly planning his own political outfit.
“There’s a fierce debate internally about whether Floyd should be included,” said a senior MKP insider. “Some members are outright opposed to it. Others say it’s a relief, but admit Parliament will be less effective without him.”
Sources say Shivambu is currently consulting trusted allies and assessing his options — including the possible formation of a new political vehicle.
Reached for comment, Shivambu’s phone went unanswered. However, in a speech delivered at a recent Maanda-Ashu Workers Union of South Africa event, he admitted he has been jobless since being ousted from MKP leadership and has offered to volunteer his time to the organisation.
“I don’t have any work currently,” he said. “But I want to be useful in whatever way I can.”
As South Africa’s political landscape continues to shift, all eyes are on Shivambu — whether he fades into obscurity or emerges as the face of a new political force. One thing is clear: his next move will be watched closely by friends and foes alike.
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