Former MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu has declared that his new political movement, Mayibuye, is not entering the political arena merely to contest but to win. Speaking at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Sunday, Shivambu wrapped up a round of consultations in KwaZulu-Natal with a clear message: the movement is gearing up to transform into a full-fledged political party ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Shivambu, who was expelled from Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party earlier this year, used the Durban gathering to rally volunteers, outline Mayibuye’s vision, and highlight its ambitions to emerge as a formidable force. He stressed that the project goes beyond electoral participation, aiming to build structures that can stand independently and influence governance at both local and national levels.
“Mayibuye is not just about contesting seats—it’s about winning and governing,” Shivambu told the crowd. “We are preparing a movement that integrates labour unions, civil society groups, and non-governmental organisations so that the people themselves drive change.”
He further argued that South African politics has become dominated by personality-driven factions, warning that this weakens grassroots involvement. By building an in-house labour union and broad-based alliances, Shivambu said Mayibuye intends to restore political ownership to workers, communities, and civic organisations.
KwaZulu-Natal, where MK Party surged in the 2024 elections, is considered a critical battleground. Shivambu’s presence in the province signals his intention to directly challenge Zuma’s political stronghold. Some analysts view this as a bold gamble, but Shivambu insists that there is space for a disciplined, policy-driven movement that addresses bread-and-butter issues beyond populist slogans.
“Communities want reliable services, young people want jobs, and workers want dignity,” he said. “If we organise properly, we will not just participate, but we will govern municipalities.”
The former EFF deputy leader also hinted that Mayibuye’s strategy includes contesting in areas historically neglected by mainstream parties, particularly peri-urban settlements and townships hit hardest by unemployment and service delivery failures.
Shivambu’s political re-emergence has been closely watched since his expulsion from MK, where he played a central role in shaping its campaign machinery. While some critics dismiss Mayibuye as a splinter project, others say it has potential to capture disillusioned voters who feel alienated by the ruling ANC, the EFF, or even Zuma’s MK Party.
As the consultations conclude, Shivambu has promised to unveil Mayibuye’s national programme in the coming months. For now, he remains clear that his movement is not content with symbolic participation. “We are preparing to win,” he emphasised, “and to lead with discipline, vision, and integrity.
