Floyd Shivambu Launches Mayibuye
Floyd Shivambu’s Political Shake-Up: From MK Fallout to Mayibuye Movement
In a dramatic twist in South African politics, Floyd Shivambu has officially exited the MK Party, faced a R3 million defamation lawsuit, and launched a national consultation process under the banner of Mayibuye, potentially laying the groundwork for a new political party.
Excluded from MK Parliamentary List
Earlier this month, the MK Party announced its parliamentary representatives—and Floyd Shivambu was not among them. His exclusion from the MPs list, along with his removal as Secretary-General, followed a controversial trip to Prophet Bushiri in Malawi, which reportedly violated internal party protocols.
Jacob Zuma, the MK leader, confirmed that Shivambu had been demoted and dismissed any suggestion of reinstatement, saying:
“If those people want to start their own party, they should go ahead.”
Defamation Lawsuit by Nhlamulo Ndhlela
Shivambu is also facing a R3 million defamation lawsuit filed by MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. The legal action follows Shivambu’s public remarks where he labeled Ndhlela as a “liar,” “drunk,” and “drug addict” on social media and live TV.
Although Shivambu issued a formal apology and retraction, Ndhlela has refused to withdraw the lawsuit, stating:
“He only apologized under pressure, not out of sincerity.”
Launch of Mayibuye National Consultation
In a swift political pivot, Shivambu launched the Mayibuye Consultation Process on June 27, 2025. He presented a National Consultation Team composed of former MK members, EFF operatives, community leaders, and religious figures.
The goal:
To assess the appetite for a new political party that champions anti-corruption, economic justice, and grassroots participation.
“We are consulting the people. If the people say we must go forward, we will form the party,” Shivambu stated during a live briefing.
Political Reactions and Public Perception
- ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji called Shivambu a “small boy” with no base, insisting the ANC has no interest in his return.
- Political commentators remain divided—some see Mayibuye as a fresh voice for the disillusioned, others label it opportunistic fragmentation.
