Latest news with #Shivambu
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The political gamble of Floyd Shivambu: Is he overestimating his popularity?
Floyd Shivambu's political maneuvers raise questions about his future in MK and the potential for a new party. As he navigates a treacherous political landscape, will he succeed or face expulsion?" Image: X/floydshivambu Call South African politics and politicians many things but predictable is not one of them. Fresh from Liam Jacobs crossing over from the Democratic Alliance to his political nemesis, The Patriotic Alliance, South Africans were treated to another bombshell this week. Former EFF founder turned former uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu announced he was mulling the idea of forming a new party of his own - but not yet. He will remain a member of MK for now. Confused? Don't be. Its the chess game of politics. Shivambu is pulling off the same stunt as that of former president Jacob Zuma, now MK leader. Remember how Zuma made the shocking announcement he was leading MK while still a member of the ANC in 2023? He was later expelled from the ANC and returned leading the pack with MK's spectacular victory at the last general elections. Malema did the same when he too was expelled from the ANC in 2012 - and went on to form the EFF together with Shivambu. The EFF too, drew massive support away from the ANC, which was the catalyst of the party's subsequent decline. Shivambu is playing the same game. Mudding the political waters. Daring the MK to expel him. Except he is not Zuma. Or Malema. South Africans don't take well to political chameleons. Party hopping does not work unless you are a huge political figure. Shivambu is a well known figure - but not a powerful leader in his own right. He was given wings by parties led by powerful public figures who command support. Shivambu was the think-tank behind the EFF and later MK strategist and national organiser. Less than a year after joining MK, Shivambu's wings were clipped before he could fly. Was that the issue? Was Shivambu seen as a threat within MK by Zuma's inner circle? His feud with Zuma's daughter Duduzile played out on social media as she unleashed her fury at his character, calling him the 'worst thing to happen to MK'. And, despite her apology, its well known the animosity between them persisted. The tussle for Zuma's ear and ultimately control of the party. Shivambu certainly hinted at that. His axing as MK Secretary General was the final clipping of his wings and clearly ruffled his feathers enough for him to make the decision to go out on his own - at some point. Shivambu no doubt has the backing of funders who call the tune. That's just how it works. Those who pay the piper, call the tune. But is Shivambu overestimating his popularity in taking on MK and the EFF? Calling the EFF a 'cult' and Zuma 'gullible' is hardly a recipe for success when those leaders still command a massive following, especially on the ground. And more critically, Shivambu lacks the charm - crucial when mobilising support at grass roots level. Both Malema and Zuma use their personal populism which appeals to their support base. Malema, a political demagogue, uses his kill the boer song to rile African support while Zuma's identity in Zulu tribalism is his draw card. Both the EFF and MK have leaders as their brand identities. Shivambu taking them on is brave but a huge miscalculation. Already, the response to him potentially forming his own party is being shot down by most South Africans. Social media is abuzz as South Africans weigh in. Shivambu is being called out as not trust worthy for visiting fraud accused fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. He is also being taken to task for remaining within MK while talking of forming a new party. His bold announcement may have backfired. During his media briefing, a confident Shivambu threw several salvos at MK - a party he still remains a member of. He accused Zuma of being surrounded by 'political scoundrels' who he said 'take drugs and tweet at night' - a thinly veiled reference to Duduzile, the only one who has openly criticised Shivambu with her late night tweets previously. Clearly Shivambu is being led to believe the time is right for another political party. Its a path many before him have followed, some popular, others simply overestimating their popularity. And, despite the misguided reference to Zuma as 'gullible,' Shivambu knows too well his days with MK are numbered. He will be expelled. Others before him faced the same fate for far less transgressions within the party. Zuma will not tolerate Shivambu campaigning for another party while within the MK. And Shivambu's expulsion is not a question of if - but when. And, given Zuma's fury at Shivambu, that expulsion is likely to be fast and furious. Until then, Shivambu is a man on the ledge. ** Zohra Teke is an independent writer and journalist. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL IOL Opinion Zohra Teke Image: Independent Newspapers
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Shivambu remains with Zuma's party despite plans for new political formation
Floyd Shivambu. Image: Tumi Pakkies FORMER uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu will remain a member of the Jacob Zuma-led party despite his intention of forming a new political party. "I'm saying that we are going to consult with the people of South Africa and if uMkhonto weSizwe believes that going to listen to people violates that constitution then it will tell me that." His stance appears to mirror Zuma's move when he refused to terminate his ANC membership after he had announced that he would be leading the MK Party. Shivambu told a media briefing in Johannesburg that his removal from his position was due to a fake intelligence report claiming he wanted to overthrow Zuma. According to Shivambu, the fake intelligence report alleged that he was accumulating supernatural powers to make people disappear and was plotting to dethrone Zuma. "It was extremely bizarre and a fake intelligence report that I was about to overthrow Zuma and that I had supernatural powers to make people disappear." Shivambu claimed that Zuma is surrounded by "political scoundrels" who are taking advantage of his age and kindness to influence him to make decisions that favour their agendas. He further alleged that these individuals are siphoning off millions from the party and that his leadership was being undermined. Shivambu's demotion was announced by the party on June 3, with the reason cited as his visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church in Malawi over the Easter weekend. However, Shivambu said Zuma had initially agreed to his trip to Malawi, but later reversed his decision after being influenced by those around him. Shivambu's future in the party has been uncertain since his removal as secretary-general. In response, he announced that he would consult with various communities and groups to gauge whether he should launch his own political party. Shivambu said he would never join the ANC because it was disorganised and the EFF a cult.
Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Floyd Shivambu: 'I don't beg for membership of political organisations'
JOHANNESBURG - Floyd Shivambu said he would not beg to remain a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party after announcing his ambition to establish a new party. At a media briefing in Midrand on Thursday, Shivambu said he had convened a committee that would look into whether there was a need for a new political party in the country. This move comes on the back of Shivambu recently being demoted as the MK Party secretary-general to an ordinary member. ALSO READ: • Shivambu alleges R7 million is looted monthly from MK Party's coffers • Shivambu stands firm on not rejoining EFF, describing it as a 'cult' • 'I will never resign from the MK Party,' says Shivambu • Shivambu claims fake intelligence report on him wanting to overthrow Zuma led to his removal as MKP SG "I have not resigned from uMkhonto weSizwe and I will never resign from uMkhonto weSizwe."
Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Committee convened by Shivambu to begin work to explore possibility of forming political party
JOHANNESBURG - A committee convened by former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, will begin its work next week to explore the possibility of forming a political party. Shivambu said they would consult South Africans from all walks of life about the need of another party in the country. ALSO READ: 'I will never resign from the MK Party,' says Shivambu This latest project comes after he was demoted by the MK Party from secretary-general to an ordinary member. Shivambu held a briefing on Thursday, where he said that he had not turned his back on the belief that black political parties should unite. "We are not dividing black political parties. We are listening to people, and they will tell us if there is a need for a political party. If a majority of the people, and genuinely so, say there is no need to form a political party, we will humbly listen to that."
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Floyd Shivambu's explosive allegations: Corruption, drug use, and a new political party
Floyd Shivambu dropped a few bombshells during his media briefing in Gauteng on Thursday. Image: Floyd Shivambu/X Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, dropped a few bombshells during his press briefing in Gauteng on Thursday, where he announced plans to launch a new political party. Among some wild claims, Shivambu alluded to some in leadership who were linked to corruption, others fighting among themselves, and even someone sniffing drugs. Speaking to reporters at the Mhulu Boutique Hotel on Thursday, Shivambu exposed allegations of fund embezzlement and political sabotage, signalling a significant shift in his political journey. Shivambu further claimed that he was targeted for attempting to halt the alleged siphoning of approximately R7 million per month from the party's coffers. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'Zuma is surrounded by political scoundrels who exploit his kindness and gullibility,' Shivambu said. 'They fabricate fake intelligence reports to mislead him and justify their theft. This season, they've been withdrawing at least R7 million monthly from our coffers.' He further alleged that these illicit activities were known internally and that party members had urged the perpetrators to cease their actions, fearing the party's de-registration. 'We raised these issues internally because we want transparency and accountability. But instead of addressing the matter, I faced hostility when I intervened,' Shivambu added. In a dramatic turn, Shivambu announced his intention to leave the MK Party and establish his political organisation. 'I am forming a new party — not funded by any individual but rooted in the collective will of South Africans,' he declared. 'Political parties should not be personal fiefdoms; they must represent enduring ideals beyond any single leader.' He dismissed bizarre allegations circulating on social media about supernatural powers and conspiracies targeting Zuma as 'absolute rubbish,' emphasising his commitment to rational politics and transparency. In a candid and unfiltered tone, Shivambu also criticised certain party members for allegedly engaging in drug use and inappropriate behaviour, including tweeting late into the night. While he did not specify names, these remarks highlighted the internal tensions and moral concerns he claims are plaguing the organisation. Throughout his address, Shivambu vehemently denied any misuse of party funds during his tenure. 'I have never used party resources for personal travel or gain. All discussions around forming a new political entity are open and inclusive,' he insisted. Shivambu took a swipe at his former party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), calling it a 'cult' that lacks political integrity and ideology. He said no self-respecting person would join it. 'The EFF is a cult, I agree.' Shivambu's revelations come at a volatile time in South Africa's political sphere, where allegations of corruption and factionalism have become commonplace. The last straw was that he was not resigning from the MKP because it aligns with his political beliefs but he would open space for a new political party. IOL has reached out to the MKP for comment. IOL Politics
