The MK Party is grappling with fresh internal turmoil after a Rustenburg ward councillor publicly supported the recently expelled MP leader, Phadi, and leveled serious allegations against the party’s secretary general, Floyd Shivambu. The councillor’s bold move, which included posting a video on TikTok accusing Shivambu of undermining the party from within, has sparked widespread debate and exposed deep divisions within the relatively new political organization.
Although the video was later removed from TikTok, its contents had already gone viral, intensifying tensions within the party. In the now-deleted video, the councillor claimed, “Shivambu is destroying our party,” while expressing strong support for Phadi, who was recently ousted from his leadership position. The councillor suggested that Phadi’s expulsion was unjust, further fueling discontent among party members.
This public display of discord comes at a critical time for the MK Party, which has struggled to establish itself as a stable political force in South Africa. Since its inception, the party has been plagued by internal conflicts, and this latest controversy threatens to further erode its credibility with voters.
Political analysts warn that such open infighting could have serious consequences for the party’s reputation. “When party members start openly accusing top leadership of sabotage, it raises serious questions about the organization’s stability,” noted one observer.
The timing of the controversy is particularly troubling, as it follows closely on the heels of Phadi’s expulsion, which had already caused waves of dissatisfaction within the party. By siding with Phadi, the Rustenburg councillor has directly challenged the authority of the current leadership, particularly Shivambu, who plays a pivotal role as secretary general.
Sources within the party suggest that the deleted video may only be the beginning, with more councillors and members potentially sharing similar grievances but choosing to remain silent for now. This has led to speculation about the emergence of a larger faction opposed to Shivambu’s leadership style.
Shivambu, a key figure responsible for the party’s organization and strategy, has yet to respond publicly to the councillor’s allegations. The party’s official channels have also remained silent, possibly hoping the controversy will fade away. However, in the digital age, deleted content often persists through screenshots and recordings, ensuring that the councillor’s accusations continue to circulate.
Local party members in Rustenburg have expressed mixed reactions to the incident. While some support the councillor’s right to speak out, others worry about the damage such public disagreements could inflict on the party’s image.
As the MK Party navigates this latest challenge, all eyes are on how it will address the growing internal strife. Potential outcomes include further expulsions, a shift in leadership approach, or even a reconciliation with Phadi. Whatever the resolution, it is clear that the party is experiencing significant growing pains that could shape its future in South African politics.
For now, the MK Party’s ability to manage this crisis will be a crucial test of its resilience and unity as it seeks to solidify its position in the country’s political landscape.
