The internal dynamics of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) are currently experiencing significant turbulence following the recent redeployment of Floyd Shivambu from his role as party secretary-general to a seat in Parliament.
Sources within the party disclosed to IOL that the move has sparked considerable disagreement among members, with some questioning the justification provided by President Jacob Zuma. While Zuma invoked a constitutional clause to legitimize Shivambu’s removal, there remains a faction within the party that strongly opposes this explanation, viewing it as a politically motivated maneuver rather than a principled decision.
Shivambu’s departure from his secretary-general position occurred on June 3, after he reportedly took an unsanctioned trip to Malawi to attend a religious service led by Shepherd Bushiri, a preacher who is currently a fugitive from justice.
Critics, particularly from Zimbabwean circles and beyond, interpret this redeployment as a subtle form of demotion—less about removing influence altogether and more about reassigning Shivambu to a less powerful parliamentary role. This move is seen as an attempt to diminish his sway within the party’s hierarchy while still maintaining a symbolic connection to the leadership.
Political analysts, such as Thando Mzimela‑Ntuli, have observed that the rapid invocation of the clause concerning international travel appears to serve a specific internal purpose. He suggests that the party’s internal logic is heavily influenced by loyalty to Zuma rather than adherence to transparent governance principles. This raises questions about whether decisions are driven by ideological consistency or by factional loyalty, with some insiders asserting that Shivambu’s appointment to Parliament is a strategic move to keep him within the fold while limiting his influence.
Within the party, there is mounting pressure to fill the vacant secretary-general position, a move that could significantly impact the party’s future trajectory. Two prominent contenders have emerged: Bongani Baloyi, a former mayor of a DA-run municipality who recently joined MK and has gained some prominence, and Phumlani Mfeka, a traditionalist with strong backing from KwaZulu-Natal’s traditional leadership. Mfeka is widely seen as the frontrunner, especially considering Zuma’s apparent focus on consolidating alliances within KwaZulu-Natal, which remains a key region for the party’s political ambitions.
The party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, confirmed that the ultimate decision rests solely with Zuma, emphasizing that no official announcement regarding leadership reshuffles has been made. Observers interpret these ongoing leadership struggles as reflective of broader issues facing the MK Party—namely, questions about its core identity and the underlying power structures that influence decision-making.
Many analysts warn that Shivambu’s redeployment exemplifies a recurring pattern within the party, where proximity to Zuma and loyalty to his faction, rather than electoral mandate or proven organizational merit, remain the primary determinants of influence. With the secretary-general role still vacant and internal tensions simmering, the MK Party faces two major challenges: managing elite interests and establishing a sustainable, cohesive institutional identity that can withstand future political pressures.
