The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has publicly rebuked its secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, for his unsanctioned visit to the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church of controversial Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri.
In a sharply worded statement, the party distanced itself from Shivambu’s actions, emphasizing its “zero-tolerance stance on criminality” and refusal to associate with “fugitives from justice.” The MKP clarified that Shivambu attended the church service in his personal capacity without party approval.
The statement drew a pointed contrast between Bushiri—who fled South Africa amid fraud and money laundering charges—and MKP founder Jacob Zuma, who “submitted to imprisonment without trial” during his contempt of court case. “We reject any association that compromises our movement’s integrity,” the party declared.
The MKP also condemned “the exploitation of vulnerable believers” and gender-based violence—a veiled reference to allegations against Bushiri—while reaffirming its commitment to ethical leadership.
The rebuke exposes deepening rifts within the party, following previous clashes between Shivambu and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who had earlier launched an expletive-filled tirade against him. Analysts view this as the first formal disciplinary challenge to Shivambu’s leadership from senior structures.
MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela could not be reached for comment. The public censure signals turbulent times ahead for the party as it navigates internal divisions and external scrutiny.