Mayibuye rumoured to register as political party in September

By Mathipa Phishego

As South Africa’s political landscape continues to shift, a new player appears to be preparing its formal entry. The Mayibuye Consultation Movement, currently engaging in nationwide consultations, is rumoured to be registering as a political party this coming September 2025 a move that could reshape the country’s progressive-left space.

Founded as a platform to engage citizens from the ground up, Mayibuye has been holding provincial consultations across South Africa to gather the public’s views on governance, economic justice, and national transformation. According to former Floyd Shivambu, these consultations are aimed at shaping the movement’s founding policy framework and ensuring that any future political platform reflects the lived realities of ordinary South Africans.

While the movement has not officially confirmed the September registration, signs increasingly point toward a formal launch following the conclusion of its provincial consultation programme.
“As we’re about to conclude the provincial consultations, we’re in KZN this week. We continue to engage all sectors of society. South Africans continue to voice their concerns and submit their inputs on how Mayibuye should shape this beautiful country of ours,” said Mmabatho Mokause, National Chairperson of the Mayibuye Consultation.

Since launching its consultative drive in Gauteng, Mayibuye has met with community members, civic organisations, political stakeholders, students, and religious and traditional leaders, in what the movement describes as a deep-rooted, patient listening process. This past weekend, Mayibuye marked Women’s Day with celebratory events echoing the tone of more established political parties, but also combined the occasion with community outreach, including a free community screening programme focused on health services.

Floyd Shivambu, who has been linked to the movement’s consultative process, confirmed Mayibuye’s presence in KwaZulu-Natal from 13–18 August, describing it as a crucial phase in the consultation. “People of KwaZulu-Natal have been saying, ‘Please come to KwaZulu-Natal.’ We almost made a mistake last year they want to correct it,” Shivambu said, referencing past political dynamics in the province.

If Mayibuye does register next month, it could signal the rise of a new left-leaning alternative, grounded in grassroots dialogue and mobilization. Whether it becomes a major electoral force or remains a civic platform remains to be seen but its methodical approach and strong public engagement suggest it plans to stay in the national conversation.