Ex-SG media briefing: Is he resigning or launching a political party
by Mathipa Phishego
Floyd Shivambu, former uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Secretary-General, is allegedly to resign from the party at a media briefing Thursday in Midrand. Following his recent removal from the MKP’s leadership, which generated a great deal of topic in South Africa’s political scenes, he is expectedto briefthe media tomorrow.
As a regular MKP member, Nolubalalo Mcinga who is his spokesperson stressed that Shivambu does not need to ask the party’s leadership for permission to host such a briefing. According to IOL Mcinga , “acknowledged the impending briefing, he did not reveal the details of Shivambu’s statement.”
image: Floyd Shivambu on/ Twitter (X)
Party insiders, however, indicate that Shivambu plans to formally step down and reveal intentions to launch a new political organisation. On the other site Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the MKP spokesperson, the party was not notified of the briefing and had not approved its conduct. “He stated that before deciding on the best course of action, it is necessary to evaluate the circumstances,” IOL reports.
Former President Jacob Zuma’s MKP has seen a rise in support, especially in his home state of KwaZulu-Natal. A major section of the electorate supports policies like land expropriation and the nationalisation of important companies, which has helped the party grow to become the third-largest in parliament.
Following, Floyd’s August 2024 resignation from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Shivambu may leave the MKP. He described his choice as a “revolutionary act” at the time, one that would bring progressive forces together to further their common goal. During a media event, he announced his move to the MKP and was named national organiser, which entails managing the party’s growth and policy formulation.
The expected resignation of Shivambu and the creation of a new political party may further change the political landscape in South Africa and maybe cause a realignment among leftist groups.