'We are observing him': MK party reviewing Floyd Shivambu's actions amid political changes

The Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe party says its former secretary general Floyd Shivambu remains a member of the party, and his actions will be reviewed, along with the impact on the party’s mission.

Last week, IOL reported that the MK party had officially announced the nomination and swearing of nine new Members of Parliament (MPs) to the National Assembly to fill vacant seats, but excluded the recently demoted Shivambu.

The former Economic Freedom Fighters deputy president recently held press briefings, revealing plans to initiate a nationwide consultation with various church leaders and community stakeholders.

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

MK party national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela on Tuesday night said Shivambu's recently political activities have been monitored and observed closely.

"Well, he is a member of uMkhonto weSizwe, and we have said it categorically on multiple platforms that we want to understand what this consultative process is. We have obviously been monitoring and observing the pressers that he has been doing, and he has been saying he is appointing a task team, himself leading as the national convenor. We are going to be discussing this internally," Ndlela spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.

"We are not a party that takes knee-jerk reaction to such. It is important for us to understand what he is doing as a member of uMkhonto weSizwe because uMkhonto weSizwe is the only platform that can unite black people for us to take power and to govern this country. We need to understand how this is aligned with what the uMkhonto weSizwe people's mandate seeks to achieve. If it is to the contrary, then at that point we will make a decision."

Ndlela said the uMkhonto weSizwe is scheduled to hold an officials' meeting this week, and certain determinations will be made on what Shivambu has been busy with.

"But again, he needs to account as a member, and we will then take it from there. We are very decisive leadership, but we apply our minds. We are not a leadership that just takes knee-jerk reactions.

Last week, IOL reported that former members of the MK party, including Patrick Sindane, Luther Lebelo, and Menzi Magubane, alongside former EFF members Vusi Khoza and Fana Mokoena, have been appointed as leaders of the Mayibuye Consultation Process.

The announcement was made by Shivambu, during a press briefing held on Friday in Midrand. 

Shivambu announced that he will be the national convener of both the Mayibuye National Consultation Team and the Mayibuye Consultation Process.

He said the group will engage in public consultations, after which a national convention will be held to decide the next steps.

“Then we will prepare - if the mandate is that we must contest the 2026 local government elections and the 2029 general elections, we’re going to do so and win those elections decisively,” he said.

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