After being removed from his position as uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu is expected to announce his resignation from the party.
His spokesperson, Nolubalalo Mcinga, confirmed that Shivambu will hold a media briefing on Thursday in Midrand but did not disclose his plans. When asked if Shivambu informed the MK Party leadership or sought permission, Mcinga stated that as an ordinary member, he did not need approval since the briefing would be in his personal capacity.
However, party insiders believe Shivambu will announce his resignation and the formation of a new party. Mcinga explained that the briefing is in response to media inquiries about recent political developments in the country.
A party source expressed surprise, saying it is unusual for a member to hold a media briefing to share personal political views. The source also suggested that Shivambu’s plans were long in the making, given that he had already appointed a spokesperson.
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has not yet commented on whether the party approved or was aware of the briefing.
Shivambu’s announcement follows criticism from MK Party founder Jacob Zuma during the party’s youth league launch in Durban. Without naming Shivambu, Zuma mentioned removing people from senior positions for undisclosed misconduct, adding that the party has had seven secretary-generals.
Earlier this month, the MK Party removed Shivambu after he made an unauthorized visit to Malawian fugitive Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, who fled South Africa in 2020 amid fraud and money laundering charges. The party stated that the trip violated its constitution and announced Shivambu’s redeployment to Parliament.
Though he was expected to be sworn in this week, it is unclear if this will proceed after his Thursday briefing.
Some within the party have also accused Shivambu of favoring newcomers over founding members. Shivambu joined the MK Party from the EFF in August last year and was quickly promoted to national organizer before becoming secretary-general in November.
