Shivambu, recently demoted from his role as secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, used the briefing to clarify his political future amid speculation of a fallout with the MK Party and potential resignation. The event was not sanctioned by the MK Party, and their spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, noted it violated internal protocol.
During the briefing Shivambu denied resigning from the MK Party, asserting he would never step down. He accused certain MK Party members of embezzling R7 million monthly, referring to them as “political scoundrels.” He criticized the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), stating he would not return to either .Shivambu announced plans to consult with traditional and religious leaders and other prominent figures about forming a new political party, potentially named “Mayibuye iAfrica,” ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
He claimed his demotion was based on a fake intelligence report alleging he planned to overthrow MK Party leader Jacob Zuma. He emphasized a commitment to truth, quoting Amilcar Cabral: “Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories.”
Shivambu’s briefing followed his demotion from MK Party secretary-general to an ordinary member, triggered by his controversial, unsanctioned visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi in April 2025. This visit drew criticism from the MK Party and South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who called it disrespectful to the legal system. His absence from the MK Party’s Youth Day rally on June 16, 2025, and the omission of the MK Party logo in his briefing announcement fuelled speculation of a split
However the Party Jacob Zuma stressed that no individual is above the MK Party, warning members against straying from the organization’s principles. He said, “If one of us goes astray, we don’t beg. Let me just tell you, we have already had 7 Secretaries-General in the MK Party. We did not beg them, even if they think they are big. You are loved; we don’t care, he underscored that the party would decisively remove those who act against its interests, stating, “We will fire anyone who does wrong in the MKP,” said Zuma.
Zuma framed these actions as a deliberate crackdown on indiscipline rather than a sign of instability, asserting, “We’ve had seven secretary-generals because we’re not here to play games. We don’t care how great you are, how loved you are, we don’t care.” Addressing Dissent and Protests. He acknowledged unrest among members unhappy with leadership decisions, particularly the removal of Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general. Zuma noted, “There are those who say they want to protest because of one decision we took. This means our party needs work.” He urged members to remain united and avoid factionalism, warning that protests over leadership changes were unacceptable and indicative of a need for stricter internal control.
