By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Ahead of his press conference today there have been rumours circulating that Floyd Shivambu could be announcing that he is set to start his own political party. This comes following his departure from his membership of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Partywhere he served as Secretary general earlier this month.
Floyd Shivambu, born in Malamulele, Limpopo has proven to be a politician of great prowess and leadership, having served as the Deputy President and lieutenant commander-in-chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), even serving as EFF’s Parliamentary Chief Whip in the South African Parliament. In addition to his extensive resume, Shivambu was also a member of the Pan African Parliament serving in the rural economy, agriculture, natural resources and environmental committees. Shivambu graduated from Mphambo High School in Malamulele in 2001 and went to the University of Witwatersrand for his higher education as he holds a Bachelor and Honours degree in Political Studies and International Relations. Shivambu also holds a masters degree, with distinction in Political studies as of 2014. Shivambu was even elected President of the Student Representative body which led to him joining the ANC Youth League. Floyd Shivambu is not foreign to roles of leadership in any regard as his insights have proved vital to the establishment of the EFF alongside Julius Malema and recently being a key figure to MK Party’s success.
There are a number of key factors to consider as to why Shivambu has left the MK Party, one of these reasons is that he was removed from his position as secretary general due to a visit he made in Malawi as he met with the self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, a visit which was met with scrutiny. This media briefing serves as a step towards navigating new political ventures for Shivambu as both himself and the MK Party are distancing themselves from one another to such an extent that this media briefing will have no involvement from the MK Party in any capacity. In his press briefing Shivambu revealed the intentions of the media briefing, he explained in his opening remarks that the reason for his dismissal as secretary general is because Shivambu had planned to overthrow Jacob Zuma as the President of uMKhonto weSizwe. “We have called this press conference to speak about the recent political developments as they relate to the rules that were plain in uMmkhonto weSizwe, that on the 3rd of June 2025 the leadership of uMKhonto weSizwe held a national officials meeting to announce the discontinuation of my role as secretary general of uMKhonto weSizwe.” Shivambu mentioned in his opening statement. “The reason for my removal as Secretary General is that I want to overthrow Zuma as the President,” he added in his opening remarks. Shivambu made clear that these allegations were unfounded and untrue as per a fake intelligence report from officials within the party as this seemed to be the reason why Shivambu had gone to visit Malawi.
Despite the fact that this press conference did not see the former MK Party Secretary General announcing a new party, there has been reports from his spokesperson that he does intend on leaning towards the direction of forming a party of his own that will aim to give a voice to black people in this country by forming an organization that has zero backing from any white-owned entities or investments. A purely Pan-African organization with indigenous African leaders who will be the framework of this party. Sources gave a statement to IOL in regard to this matter “Many believe that there are currently no African-led parties in South Africa that truly work together to advance the interests of the native population.” the spokesperson told IOL, “This new initiative is about creating a democratic space where all indigenous voices can be heard and their concerns addressed.
More will unfold as to how Shivambu will officially act in terms of his political future, but what remains is that his involvement with umKhonto weSizwe is no longer within that framework.