The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has formally charged its former Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu with several disciplinary offences—but notably omitted his controversial trip to Malawi, the very issue initially cited as the reason for his abrupt removal from the post.
Shivambu, who joined the MK Party after resigning from the EFF, now faces charges including gross negligence, abuse of power, and leaking internal party information. These charges, insiders suggest, stem from tensions within the top ranks of the Zuma-aligned party, as competing factions jostle for control ahead of key strategic decisions and the upcoming policy conference.
The omission of the Malawi trip—a much-publicised solo diplomatic visit that drew the ire of senior MKP leaders for being unauthorised—has raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation. Initially framed as the central reason for his demotion, its exclusion from the formal charge sheet has led to accusations that the party is being selective, possibly even politically expedient, in its disciplinary actions.
“The inconsistency is glaring,” said a political analyst familiar with the situation. “Either the party exaggerated the significance of the Malawi trip to justify sidelining Shivambu, or it is now attempting to dilute internal backlash by shifting focus to less contentious charges.”
Party sources have remained tight-lipped about the rationale for omitting the trip from the list of charges, but a senior MKP insider confirmed that the disciplinary process is ongoing and may expand. “This is just the beginning. The party is treating this matter with utmost seriousness,” the source said.
Shivambu has yet to issue a formal public response, but those close to him say he views the charges as politically motivated and believes he is being targeted for pushing back against a growing internal culture of secrecy and factionalism.
The unfolding saga underscores growing instability within the MK Party, despite its recent electoral gains. With its roots tied to Zuma’s populist appeal and opposition to the ANC-led government, the party now faces a credibility test as it attempts to manage internal dissent while maintaining public support.
The outcome of Shivambu’s disciplinary hearing may very well signal the MKP’s direction in balancing unity with internal accountability.
