Busisiwe Mkhwebane challenges Shivambu’s leadership
by Mathipa Phishego
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), a political organisation established by former President Jacob Zuma, is attempting to terminate Floyd Shivambu’s career under the leadership of former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane. This event highlights a growing power struggle between the two important leaders and represents a significant shift in the internal dynamics of the party. After a heated leadership dispute with businesswoman Mary Phadi, Mkhwebane, who joined the MKP in late 2024, was named the party’s convener in Mpumalanga in February 2025. Her hiring was a component of a larger plan to strengthen provincial leadership in preparation for the local elections in 2026.
Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane hits back at the struggling thinking tank, Floyd Shivambu.
image: Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane/ Twitter (X)
Shivambu’s term as MKP Secretary-General, on the other hand, was characterised by internal dissension and controversy. He was accused of undermining Mkhwebane’s authority in Mpumalanga by refusing to support her projects and withholding funds. His reduction to an ordinary Member of Parliament, which is generally regarded as a political downgrading, was the result of these tensions. Shivambu has been charged by the MKP with deliberately undermining Mkhwebane’s leadership.
According to reports, he neglected to give the province of Mpumalanga the resources and assistance it needed, which made it more difficult for Mkhwebane to successfully carry out party policies. It has been suggested that these acts are an attempt to weaken her position of power and influence inside the party.
In response to these events, Shivambu has publicly praised Mkhwebane, calling her “one of the most disciplined, hard-working and skilled professionals” he has ever seen. However, not every member of the party has embraced this praise. His genuineness has been questioned by some, who speculate that his praise could be a calculated attempt to protect his reputation in the face of mounting criticism. Within the MKP, the aftermath from Shivambu’s removal has made divides much worse. Shivambu was publicly chastised by prominent party member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who called him “the worst thing that happened to MK” and a “Mafikizolo” (newcomer). Despite her subsequent apology, the episode highlighted the long-standing hostilities inside the party.
Mkhwebane and Shivambu’s continuous power struggle is a reflection of larger issues facing the MKP as it aims to become a powerful political force. The MKP’s course in the run-up to the 2026 municipal elections will probably be greatly influenced by Mkhwebane’s attempts to establish her leadership and the party’s handling of internal dissension.