Former EFF deputy president and recently dismissed MK Party member Floyd Shivambu has officially launched his new political organisation, the Mayibuye Afrika Movement, declaring bold ambitions to contest and win both the 2026 local government elections and the 2029 national elections.
Speaking at a media briefing in Midrand, Johannesburg, Shivambu confirmed that the movement is fully registered as a political party under the Electoral Commission Act of 1996, enabling it to participate strategically in all future elections. “We have already complied with the provisions of the law, and we are ready to contest. The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is registered, has its certificate, and will contest all wards in 2026,” Shivambu said.
He emphasised that the organisation’s entry into politics is not symbolic but aimed at outright victory. “We are contesting to win all municipalities in 2026. And we are not contesting for the sake of contesting — we will win the 2029 general elections.”
Permanent Leadership Structures
During the announcement, Shivambu revealed that the party had transitioned from temporary consultative structures to permanent leadership positions. The new structure includes a president, two deputy presidents, a secretary-general, deputy secretaries-general, a national chairperson and deputy, as well as organisers and additional portfolios.
“The constitution we drafted takes effect immediately. Conveners and coordinators are now provisional chairpersons and secretaries in their provinces. We no longer have a national convener or coordinator — we have a president and a secretary-general,” Shivambu explained.
National Convention Planned
As part of its formalisation, the Mayibuye Afrika Movement will convene a national convention to adopt its founding documents, including the Restoration Manifesto and draft constitution. Shivambu described this as part of South Africa’s long tradition of conventions, referencing the 1909 Black convention responding to the Union of South Africa, the 1912 founding of the SANNC (now ANC), the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955, and the CODESA negotiations of the early 1990s.
“The Mayibuye Afrika Movement will follow this tradition. We will adopt our founding document through a national convention attended by 2,000 delegates representing all municipalities, alongside traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and trade unions,” Shivambu said.
He stressed that public participation will remain central, noting that founding documents will be made available for comment. “The people of South Africa should never underestimate their role in shaping this movement. We are more experienced, more knowledgeable, and much clearer about what needs to be done.”
From EFF to MK to Mayibuye
Shivambu’s political journey has been turbulent in recent years. After leaving the EFF, where he served as deputy president, he joined the MK Party in 2024. However, he was expelled in June 2025 following a fallout, reportedly linked to his attendance at an Easter church service in Malawi hosted by fugitive preacher Shepherd Bushiri.
Now, as president of the Mayibuye Afrika Movement, Shivambu insists the organisation is positioned as a people-driven alternative committed to restoration, unity, and decisive governance.
“The Mayibuye Afrika Movement is not just another political party. It is the will of the people expressed through action, and it is destined to lead South Africa into a new era,” he concluded.
About the Author
