The uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party has officially announced the nomination and swearing of nine new Members of Parliament (MPs) to the National Assembly to fill vacant seats, but excluded former secretary general Floyd Shivambu.

On Saturday, Colleen Makhubele, the MK Party’s chief whip, announced that the new members will be sworn in on Wednesday in the Speaker’s Boardroom in the Parliament of South Africa.

The incoming MPs are Mr Lungisani Graduate Shangase, Mr Jeffrey Bhekumndeni Mtolo, Mr Zibuse Khayelihle Abednego Cele, Mr Siphetho Witness Mkhize, Ms Philisande Mkhize, Mr Gift Motaung, Ms Noma Buthelezi, Ms Ntandoyenkosi Nkosentsha Shezi, and Ms Khanyisile Litchfield

According to the MK party, these individuals bring diverse experience and dedication, poised to bolster the party’s efforts to serve South Africans and uphold the core values of democracy, equality, and justice. 

Makhubele said the party is committed to effective representation and pursuing policies that benefit all citizens.

“These new members exemplify our commitment to building a better future for South Africa. We look forward to working with them as we continue to advocate for the rights and interests of our people,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shivambu, who was demoted as party secretary general and promised a seat as an MP, has taken a different path. 

On Thursday, Shivambu held a press briefing revealing plans to initiate a nationwide consultation with various church leaders and community stakeholders. 

He indicated that this process aims to determine whether to establish a new political party, independent of the MK party.

This move follows recent reports by IOL of the MK Party’s decision to exclude Shivambu from its parliamentary list, a move that Shivambu criticised publicly. 

In removing Shivambu from his position as the party’s SG, the MK party cited Shivambu’s unauthorised visit to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi as a breach of party protocol. 

However, Shivambu dismissed the party’s reasons, claiming he was demoted because he had questioned the embezzlement of R7 million from the party’s funds.

“I was redeployed for daring to speak out against corruption within the party. Despite this, I remain committed to serving the people and will not leave the MK party.”

“I am exploring the possibility of forming a new political entity that reflects our shared values,” Shivambu stated during the briefing.

He further indicated that he would proceed with the potential formation of a new political platform, emphasising that his actions are motivated by a desire to promote transparency and accountability in South African politics.

Shivambu’s exclusion from the MK parliamentary list marks a significant turning point within the party and South Africa’s broader political arena. 

While MK continues reinforcing its parliamentary presence with fresh faces, Shivambu’s political future remains uncertain as he navigates the internal rift and his ambitions for a new political movement.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

IOL Politics

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