The future of Floyd Shivambu, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), hangs in the balance after a series of scathing attacks from prominent political figures.

Shivambu’s removal from his position earlier this month has sparked speculation about his potential departure from the party and the possibility of starting his political venture.

To fire the first salvo was ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji, who has been particularly brutal in his assessment of Shivambu, describing him as “a small boy” who lacks support.

Malatji’s comments suggest that Shivambu would not be welcome in the ANC, and that the party would not survive if he were to join. 

“I don’t want Floyd in the ANC; I want Julius,” Malatji reportedly said, referring to EFF leader Julius Malema.

Malatji further stated that Shivambu had no support base and Zuma had used him and spat him out.

“Floyd hates the ANC, and the ANC hates him. On the other hand, Julius (Malema) has a support base and he can be more useful to the ANC,” he reportedly said.

In another attack, MK Party Leader Jacob Zuma warned party members who oppose leadership decisions after some members threatened to protest for Shivambu’s reinstatement at a June 16 rally in Durban on Monday.

“If those people want to start their own party, they should go ahead,” Zuma said. 

“We are not going to be apologetic and bow down to individuals in this party. No matter how good, important, and educated you are.”

Zuma’s comments suggest that Shivambu’s future in the party is uncertain and that he may be forced to explore alternative options.

“There are people who want to protest because we have made a certain decision. This means this party is not as strong as we want it to be… Even those who left, we did not chase them away; they left on their own. Many of them had erred in a big way. So now you guys want to get into things you know nothing about,” he said.

He said these decisions were made at a higher level, and people should stick to their lane.

“It is the high command that decides who is right and who is wrong, who causes problems, and who does not cause problems,” Zuma said.

Shivambu’s former ally and friend, Malema, has also dismissed the idea that Shivambu could go back to the EFF after he detracted last August.

At the time, Malema had made an emotional speech, saying that “his brother” (Shivambu) could come back to the EFF anytime he wanted to; however, he has now changed tune saying it is no longer his decision to welcome back Shivambu into the party but that of the Central Command Team and the party’s constitution. 

Malema also dismissed assertions that Shivambu could boost the MKP’s performance in Parliament.

 This was after the MKP indicated that Shivambu was stripped of his secretary-general hat so that he could promote the MKP’s participation in the National Assembly.

“If you’re saying this person is going to be a holy spirit and boost the MK Party’s presence in those committees, it’s practically impossible,” Malema said. “He cannot match the kind of leadership that we have deployed.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, sources close to Shivambu suggest that he may be consulting with a plan to start his party.

According to insiders, Shivambu is not on the MK party’s parliamentary list, and his future in the party looks bleak.

“The list that is doing the rounds, Floyd’s name is not in the list, leaving senior caucus members surprised. There are about 10 vacant parliamentary seats for the MKP, and so far, Shivambu has been left out.

“Floyd has a lot to prove right now, and so he is consulting with a plan to start his party because there is a fierce debate whether Shivambu should be included in the list or not.

“Some members are outright opposed to it and others say it’s a relief but will be less effective in Parliament,” sources said.

Shivambu’s phone rang unanswered in an attempt to get his response on the matter.

However, in a recent speech to the Maanda-Ashu Workers Union of South Africa, Shivambu stated that since his removal from his MK Party post, he has had no other work and has reached out to the organisation for volunteer opportunities.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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