Floyd Shivambu in Limbo as MK Party Grapples with Infighting

Once a rising star, now a question mark Floyd Shivambu’s political journey in the MK Party is anything but smooth sailing.

After his high-profile switch from the EFF to former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, many expected Shivambu to claim a top spot on the party’s parliamentary bench. But as things stand, his name is nowhere to be found on the current list of MKP’s parliamentary candidates.

And that’s not an oversight, it’s the latest chapter in a growing storm inside the party.

From Power Move to Political Time-Out

Shivambu’s fall from grace began with a controversial visit to prophet Shepard Bushiri’s church, which the party reportedly never approved. That misstep led to his demotion as secretary-general, a move that caught many by surprise and exposed deeper tensions within the newly formed party.

While MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela insists Shivambu’s absence from the list is procedural, sources inside the party paint a more chaotic picture. “There’s been real pushback,” one insider shared. “A lot of comrades feel blindsided by the decisions he made when he was SG. Trust is low.”

According to Ndhlela, the party plans to amend the list once the IEC opens the candidate modification window from June 6 to 12, which could see Shivambu make a comeback. But even if his name appears, that doesn’t mean his position is secure.

Zuma’s Hand… and the Backlash

Despite the friction, it’s believed Jacob Zuma himself is the one insisting Shivambu be deployed to Parliament, reportedly pushing back against a faction that wanted him completely removed.

It’s a telling sign of how divided the MK Party is behind closed doors. One party source warned that even if Shivambu makes it to Parliament, he may not survive long politically. “He’s seen as a threat by some of the senior figures. They’d prefer him sidelined quietly.”

This factional tug-of-war is a reality check for anyone who thought the MK Party would be a unified front after its strong showing in the 2024 general elections. In truth, the honeymoon is over and internal battles are now spilling into public view.

A Reputation That Follows Him

Shivambu didn’t start fresh with the MK Party. He came in with baggage from his time in the EFF, where he often clashed with both allies and opponents. His bold leadership style, sometimes seen as abrasive, made him popular among some youth, but deeply unpopular among others in leadership structures.

Now, MK party insiders are questioning whether he fits into their long-term parliamentary vision—or whether his presence would deepen existing divides.

Social Media and the Streets: Divided Opinions

On social media, reactions to Shivambu’s uncertain status range from amusement to concern. One Twitter user wrote, “MK Party isn’t even a year old and already there’s infighting? Shivambu must’ve brought EFF drama with him.” Others were more sympathetic, calling him “a necessary voice” who deserves a spot in Parliament, even if he’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Meanwhile, everyday South Africans are watching closely, curious to see if the MK Party, born out of Zuma’s charisma and discontent with the ANC, will follow the same pattern of internal squabbles and power struggles that plague many political movements.

So, What’s Next?

The window to fix the MKP parliamentary list opens soon. Whether Shivambu’s name appears or not, the real question is: can he function effectively in a space where trust is fragile and egos are large?

He’s survived political storms before. But this one unfolding in a party that is still figuring out its identity might be his toughest yet.

For now, Shivambu waits. And South Africans watch.

{Source: IOL}

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