The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has broken its silence on Floyd Shivambu’s controversial exit, with elections head Thokozani Msimang accusing the former secretary-general of undermining the party through his “inflated sense of significance.”
In a Tuesday interview, Msimang revealed that Shivambu’s leadership style created rifts within the party’s top structures. “Floyd believed he was indispensable to our movement, but the MK Party is bigger than any individual,” Msimang stated. “His failure to recognize this led to his departure.”
Shivambu, who joined the MK Party in early 2024 after leaving the EFF, brought immediate attention to the nascent political group. However, insiders say his top-down approach clashed with the party’s emphasis on collective decision-making and grassroots consultation. His dismissal earlier this year reportedly followed disputes over strategy, candidate selections, and internal communications.
“The MK Party won’t tolerate power centralization,” Msimang emphasized, reaffirming the party’s commitment to its founding principles. “This is a people’s movement, not a platform for personal ambition.”
While Shivambu has not publicly responded, associates suggest he may challenge his removal through legal and political channels.
Political analysts view the conflict as a critical test for the MK Party. “How new parties manage internal dissent often determines their survival,” said University of Johannesburg professor Nandi Mhlongo.
Despite the turmoil, Msimang insists the party remains unified: “We’re moving forward. This movement transcends any single person.” The remarks underscore the MK Party’s struggle to balance internal democracy with its rapid political ascent.
