Floyd Shivambu Redeployed to Parliament

By Mathipa Phishego

In a stunning shake-up that has sent shockwaves through the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Floyd Shivambu was abruptly removed from his role as Secretary General following a secret and unauthorised trip to meet fugitive preacher Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. The party condemned the visit as damaging to its reputation and integrity, marking a dramatic fall from grace for one of its most prominent leaders. Shivambu has since been redeployed to Parliament, signaling both a disciplinary move and an attempt to contain the fallout within party ranks.

The decision to strip Shivambu of his leadership role, which became effective in early June 2025, marks a significant turning point for both the MKP and Shivambu himself. Once considered a key architect of the party’s recent surge in national politics, Shivambu’s demotion reflects growing internal tensions and a renewed emphasis on ideological discipline within the party ranks.

Shivambu’s Easter weekend visit to Malawi, where he reportedly met with Shepherd Bushiri, the self-styled prophet immediately sparked outrage within the MKP’s upper structures. Bushiri fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail, facing serious charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering. His escape triggered a diplomatic standoff between South Africa and Malawi, and he remains a controversial figure in both religious and political circles.

Former Secretary General of uMkhonto We Sizwe Africa

Reference: Day programme in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province

The MKP’s leadership accused Shivambu of undertaking the trip without prior approval or consultation, labeling the move as “private and unauthorized.” In a strongly worded statement, the party stated that the visit undermined the integrity of the organization and violated its core values of accountability and transparency.

“The uMkhonto weSizwe Party does not associate with individuals who are fugitives of justice, Cde Shivambu’s actions are inconsistent with the values of accountability, transparency, and integrity we demand from our leadership,” read part of the statement issued by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Despite the controversy, the party has stopped short of expelling Shivambu. Instead, he has been reassigned to Parliament, where he will now serve as an ordinary Member of Parliament under the MKP banner. Analysts interpret this move as a strategic compromise, aiming to maintain party unity while asserting discipline at the highest levels.

The redeployment has raised eyebrows within political circles, with critics suggesting that the MKP may be attempting to downplay the severity of the incident. However, party insiders argue that the decision reflects a commitment to internal processes and due governance.

Shivambu’s fall from one of the MKP’s top leadership positions is significant, especially given his instrumental role in shaping the party’s early messaging and mobilizing support among disenchanted youth. His fiery rhetoric and outspoken defense of radical economic transformation made him a key figure in the MKP’s rapid rise since its formation in 2023.

The incident also highlights a broader shift within the MKP, as it grapples with the challenges of transitioning from populist movement to structured political party. Analysts suggest that the leadership is moving to establish clearer lines of authority and enforce party discipline, particularly as it prepares for a more prominent role in Parliament.

For Shivambu, the redeployment marks both a setback and a second chance. While his influence within the party may be diminished, his continued presence in Parliament suggests he still holds value within the MKP’s broader strategy.

Whether this signals a permanent shift in his political trajectory or merely a temporary repositioning remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the MKP is navigating a pivotal moment, one that could define its identity and cohesion in the years ahead.