Floyd Shivambu Set to Launch New Political Party Aimed at Uniting Black South Africans

After leaving MKP, Shivambu plans a political comeback rooted in black unity and grassroots mobilisation

Former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu is expected to officially launch a new political party in Johannesburg on Thursday, according to sources close to the outspoken political figure.

The party, whose name is yet to be revealed, is said to be built around black unity, grassroots power, and a call for a pan-African, indigenous-led democratic space that prioritises the interests of South Africa’s native population.

The rise, the fall… and the return?

Shivambu’s expected announcement comes barely weeks after his abrupt dismissal from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), where he was seen as a key strategist and organiser. His political pedigree is well known: a founding member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), he later joined forces with former president Jacob Zuma in helping the MKP gain traction ahead of the 2024 elections.

However, his career took a dramatic turn following a controversial trip to Malawi earlier this year, where he allegedly met with Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, a polarising figure in both religious and political circles. The MKP distanced itself from the trip, citing concerns raised by civil society and party backers.

The fallout led to Shivambu’s removal, which, according to party insiders, created a leadership vacuum and ignited factional unease within the MKP.

“Black people, united under one umbrella”

Now, insiders say Shivambu is turning the page and starting a new chapter with a movement meant to rally African voices that feel sidelined in the current political landscape.

“This is not just another party,” said a close source. “This is a unifying vehicle that seeks to bring together Africans from the ANC, the EFF, the MKP, and beyond, anyone committed to restoring the dignity and voice of native South Africans.”

According to sources, the party’s membership base will include former ANC cadres, disillusioned EFF members, and MKP supporters who believe Shivambu still holds the key to a more unified African-led political vision.

Criticism of current parties: “No one’s truly representing us”

The movement is expected to challenge existing black political formations, with insiders claiming none currently work together to advance the collective interests of indigenous South Africans.

“There’s too much ego, too much gatekeeping,” said one supporter. “Floyd may not be perfect, but he’s a strong leader who understands grassroots dynamics and the machinery of mobilisation. He helped build the EFF. He organised in the MKP. Now it’s time he leads in his own right.”

Public reaction: A polarising figure returns

Shivambu’s name has been trending on South African social media since news of his new political plans broke. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) welcomed the move as a bold step toward black unity and renewal, while others questioned whether the country needs another party leader with past controversies and no clear policy blueprint yet revealed.

“One thing about Floyd , he will organise. But he must bring solutions, not just slogans,” tweeted @NthabiSays.

“More parties mean more fragmentation. We need alliances, not more acronyms,” argued @SifisoWrites.

A new force ahead of 2026?

With local elections looming in 2026, Shivambu’s re-entry into the political arena could shake up voter dynamics, particularly in Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal, where MKP and EFF made notable inroads during the last election.

Political analysts say the success of Shivambu’s new project will hinge on whether he can rebuild trust, articulate a clear vision, and recruit key grassroots organisers disillusioned by the factionalism in existing parties.

“South Africa is hungry for leadership that can unify rather than divide,” said analyst Thando Mthembu. “If Shivambu can walk that talk, this new formation could become more than just another breakaway party.”

What to expect next

Shivambu is expected to hold a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, where he will unveil the party’s name, structure, and possibly its interim leadership.

Whether his movement will attract the support of major political figures or become a flash-in-the-pan vanity project remains to be seen. What’s certain is that in a year already bursting with political twists, Floyd Shivambu’s comeback is one of 2025’s most-watched political developments.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com