Floyd Shivambu, the former Secretary-General of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, is expected to host a media briefing this Thursday, sparking widespread speculation about his political future. However, the MK Party has distanced itself from the event, making it clear that the briefing is not sanctioned by the party and does not represent its official position.
According to MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the leadership was not informed about the briefing, despite it being marketed using the MK Party’s branding and colours. “We have not been made aware of this briefing which uses MK brand colours or the announcement by Floyd to hold this briefing. It has not been sanctioned by the party, and as the official spokesperson, I was not made aware of this. We will have to wait and see what the briefing is about before we proceed any further,” Ndhlela told IOL.
Strong indications suggest that Shivambu might use the platform to formally announce his resignation from the MK Party. Sources close to the matter have suggested that this is the primary reason why he is hosting the briefing independently, without the party’s knowledge or involvement. Although speculation is rife, Nolubabalo Mcinga, a spokesperson for the event, refused to confirm the agenda. “I am not going to give that information, you guys have to attend the briefing and hear what Floyd has to say,” Mcinga said.
Shivambu’s expected resignation from MK would come just ten months after his abrupt exit from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a party he co-founded alongside Julius Malema. Much like his potential departure from MK, Shivambu’s resignation from the EFF was sudden and took many of his colleagues by surprise.
Despite his quick rise to the position of Secretary-General within the MK Party, Shivambu struggled to cement his authority and influence among key figures in the party. While he retained a group of loyal supporters, many party members viewed him as a divisive figure, leading to frequent clashes with senior leadership, including Duduzile Zuma, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma.
His leadership challenges were further highlighted when, after being removed as Secretary-General, there were expectations that Shivambu would be deployed to Parliament as an MK representative. However, his name was conspicuously absent from the final parliamentary list, further fuelling speculation about his diminishing role in the party.
Internal divisions within MK have become increasingly apparent, with analysts criticising the party for instability. Remarkably, MK has had seven Secretaries-General within the span of a single year, with some suggesting that the party operates more like a personal project of Jacob Zuma than a stable political movement.
As tensions grow, all eyes will be on Shivambu’s upcoming announcement. Whether this marks the end of his journey with MK or the beginning of a new political chapter, Thursday’s media briefing is set to be a defining moment in his career.