Floyd Shivambu, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has expressed enthusiasm for his redeployment to the National Assembly following a violation of the party’s constitution.
The disciplinary action stemmed from an unauthorized trip to visit fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi over the Easter weekend, which contravened Section 3(j) of the MK Party’s principles. The constitutional provision prohibits undertaking international trips that oppose the agenda of the MK Party or allied organizations.
Shivambu expressed regret for the oversight but welcomed his new role with optimism during a media briefing on Tuesday. “I am grateful to President Jacob Zuma for his continued trust and am excited to serve in Parliament, where I can leverage my experience to strengthen the MK Party’s caucus,” he said.
The MK Party convened a meeting on Monday, led by party president Jacob Zuma, to address Shivambu’s unauthorized visit to Bushiri’s Enlightened Christian Gathering church. Bushiri and his wife Mary fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail, facing charges including fraud and money laundering.
MK Party deputy chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko confirmed that extensive deliberations concluded Shivambu’s actions violated party constitution. “After lengthy discussions and considerable inputs from the National Officials, it was concluded that the actions by the Secretary General were found to be against the spirit and the prescripts of the party constitution,” Nhleko stated.
The party emphasized that civil society groups had raised concerns about the visit, prompting swift action to address the matter.
Shivambu’s redeployment marks a shift from his previous leadership position, but he views it as an opportunity to contribute to the party’s parliamentary objectives. The former Economic Freedom Fighters deputy president joined MK in August 2024 and was appointed secretary-general shortly thereafter.
“I want to confirm that the national officials have taken a decision which I fully accept as a disciplined member of uMkhonto Wesizwe,” Shivambu said, demonstrating his commitment to party unity.
The MK Party leadership believes Shivambu’s parliamentary experience will strengthen their caucus as the official opposition. “We believe that his redeployment will strengthen the MK Party caucus as the Official Opposition, as Commander Floyd Shivambu carries a wealth of experience as a former member of Parliament,” Nhleko noted.
The MK Party emphasized that the decision reflects its commitment to upholding its constitutional values and maintaining accountability to its electorate. The organization stressed its responsibility to act swiftly when constitutional breaches occur, regardless of the individual’s position within party structures.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi had previously condemned Shivambu’s visit as “a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system,” adding pressure on the party to respond decisively.
Shivambu’s eagerness to embrace his new role signals his determination to remain a pivotal figure in the party’s mission to advance its political agenda. The redeployment allows him to channel his political experience into strengthening MK’s parliamentary presence while maintaining party discipline.
The decision marks another leadership change for the MK Party, which has experienced several organizational adjustments since its formation. Zuma now faces the task of appointing the party’s fifth secretary-general in fewer than 18 months.