The recent dismissal of Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general of the MK Party has drawn reaction from ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, highlighting growing political tensions in South Africa. On June 3, 2025, Mbalula suggested on social media that Shivambu was removed using constitutional provisions he himself helped draft, implying strategic maneuvering within the MK leadership.
Shivambu’s ouster followed his unauthorized trip to Malawi, where he attended a service led by controversial pastor Shepherd Bushiri. The MK Party deemed this a violation of its constitution, resulting in Shivambu’s redeployment as an ordinary parliamentary member. The decision came after discussions with party president Jacob Zuma and other senior figures, against a backdrop of visible factional disputes.
Mbalula’s intervention underscores the ongoing rivalry between the ANC and the MK Party, which has gained ground as an opposition force since its 2023 formation. His remarks frame Shivambu’s removal as politically motivated, noting the irony of the MK Party using structures created by the former EFF deputy president against him.
The MK Party has experienced repeated leadership changes during its 17-month existence. Shivambu’s eight-month tenure as secretary-general was marked by tensions, including public clashes with Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. Mbalula’s comments echo his previous characterization of the MK Party as merely “Zuma’s project,” despite its growing influence in regions like KwaZulu-Natal.
This development raises questions about political accountability across South Africa’s party landscape. While Mbalula criticizes the MK Party’s internal processes, his own ANC faces similar scrutiny regarding leadership disputes. The situation highlights the need for transparent governance in all political organizations to maintain public trust.
As opposition dynamics evolve, the focus should ideally shift from internal power struggles to addressing national challenges. However, Shivambu’s removal and the subsequent reactions suggest personal and factional conflicts may continue dominating South Africa’s political discourse in the near term.
