EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has confirmed turning down multiple meeting requests from former president Jacob Zuma following the launch of his Mayibuye iAfrica political consultation process. The move signals Shivambu’s determination to position his new initiative as an independent political force, separate from established factions.
Since announcing Mayibuye iAfrica on June 19 – a grassroots effort to gauge support for a potential new political movement – Shivambu has declined what he describes as “persistent” private meeting requests from the MK Party leader.
“Private discussions with political figures could compromise our consultative process,” Shivambu stated. “Our focus remains on open, community-driven engagements with South Africans.”
Political analysts view this as a strategic distancing from Zuma, whose MK Party has struggled to maintain momentum after a disappointing 2024 election performance. The former president remains a polarizing figure amid ongoing legal challenges and corruption allegations.
Shivambu snubs Zuma’s meeting requests
Floyd Shivambu says that since his June 19, 2025, press conference, where he announced the Mayibuye iAfrica consultation process to explore forming a new political party, MK Party leader Jacob Zuma has been persistently requesting a meeting… pic.twitter.com/77AZS2lH40
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) June 27, 2025
“Shivambu is clearly trying to establish a new political identity unburdened by past controversies,” said political analyst Dr. Lindiwe Maseko. “Aligning with Zuma at this stage could undermine that effort.”
The Mayibuye initiative continues to hold nationwide consultations, with no formal decision yet made about forming a new party. However, observers note the process could position Shivambu as a potential leader ahead of the 2026 local elections.
For Zuma’s MK Party, the rejection compounds existing challenges. The party has failed to build sustainable structures beyond its KwaZulu-Natal stronghold and appears increasingly isolated from emerging political movements.
Shivambu’s stance reflects a growing trend of new political actors seeking to break from South Africa’s established political dynamics. As the Mayibuye consultations progress, its ability to maintain independence while building broad support will be crucial to its potential success.
The development marks another chapter in South Africa’s evolving political landscape, where newer movements are attempting to redefine the country’s political future beyond traditional alliances.