Former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has defended his decision to include controversial pastor Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo in consultations for his new leftist political movement, Mayibuye Africa. Zondo is currently on trial in the Pretoria High Court for multiple rape allegations involving congregants from his church.
Speaking to the media, Shivambu confirmed Zondo would serve as a chaplain in the Mayibuye Africa consultation process, guiding its “moral direction.” He stressed that Zondo has not been convicted of any crime and argued that religious leaders must be included in political discussions.
“Pastor Zondo has held leadership roles in community and interfaith movements,” Shivambu said. “If a political organization ignores church leaders, it’s a flawed organization—most South Africans are religious.”
This decision comes weeks after Shivambu was removed as MK Party secretary-general for meeting with Malawian pastor Shepherd Bushiri, who also faces sexual assault and fraud charges.
Retraction Without Apology
Shivambu also walked back his previous claims that MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela was a drug addict, statements made during a recent eNCA interview.
“I now have the guidance of our leadership collective on how to address such matters,” he said. “We conditionally retract those statements but urge South Africans to avoid drugs and alcohol.”
Ndhlela, however, dismissed this as insufficient, telling The Citizen that Shivambu’s retraction does not qualify as an apology and that his defamation lawsuit will proceed.
MK Party Ties Unclear
Shivambu avoided confirming whether he remains an MK Party member but claimed his Mayibuye Africa activities are transparent and known to MK founder Jacob Zuma.
The developments highlight Shivambu’s contentious political maneuvers as he seeks public support for his new leftist party while navigating legal and ethical controversies.