Floyd Shivambu, once a prominent figure in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and now National Organizer of the MK Party, has found himself at the center of a social media storm. Shivambu shared pictures of himself proudly dressed in MK Party regalia, captioning the post with just two words: “The MK!” However, the response was far from unanimously supportive.
One social media user, in a pointed comment, said, “You are working for the Zuma family business brother. Let that be clear. You are helping to build a family business.” The user’s remark struck at the heart of the public debate surrounding the MK Party, often seen by critics as a platform deeply aligned with the interests of former president Jacob Zuma’s family.
You are working for the Zuma family business brother. Let that be clear. You are helping to build family business.
— SOMAGWAZROV🇷🇺🇿🇼🇬🇭🇱🇸🇳🇬🇸🇿🇰🇪🇨🇩🇦🇴 (@Somagwaza3) September 27, 2024
The statement has resonated with a growing sentiment among some that the MK Party, which includes Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla as a key member, is operating less as a political party and more as a personal project of the Zuma family. The party has garnered attention for its high-profile members, many of whom are perceived as being loyal to the Zuma legacy.
While Shivambu’s new allegiance to the MK Party has raised eyebrows, not all responses to his post were critical. One user commented, “You seem happier with the MK and I’m happy for you,” reflecting a more positive outlook on Shivambu’s new political chapter. However, the narrative of Shivambu’s alleged role in advancing the Zuma family’s interests remains a key talking point among his critics.
Shivambu, once a vocal leader in the EFF, joined the MK Party after leaving the EFF, a move that surprised many. His latest post, donning MK Party attire, signals his full commitment to the cause, but the controversy surrounding the party’s intentions and affiliations is likely to continue. The question remains: Is the MK Party a legitimate political force, or, as critics suggest, merely a vehicle for the Zuma family’s influence?