The implications of Shivambu's political move for South Africa's left
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune
Image: File
On Thursday, Floyd Shivambu, the former Secretary General of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), announced a national consultative process aimed at gauging South Africans' interest in forming a new political party. This initiative comes on the heels of his recent removal as secretary general, signalling a potential shift in the political landscape as South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections.
Shivambu's announcement, although framed as a quest for broader public engagement, raises questions about the true intent behind his national roadshow. It is difficult to ignore the parallels with historical precedents, especially when one considers the various political figures who have pursued similar consultations over the years, from the Roelf Meyer and Bantu Holomisa duo to, more recently, Songezo Zibi's Rise Mzansi. Historically, none of these forums have concluded without eventually forming a new party. They often resemble more of a fundraising initiative before elections rather than a genuine effort to gauge public sentiment.
Throughout his address, Shivambu oscillated between cleverly balanced praise and thinly veiled jabs at the MKP while throwing a few veiled jabs at the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), his former political home. This tension between Shivambu and the EFF suggests a further fragmentation of the left-leaning forces. Ideologically, one would expect the EFF and MKP to find common ground, yet Shivambu's remarks indicate a rift that could ultimately weaken the left’s position ahead of the 2026 elections.
While his approach seems inclusive, the reality remains that South Africa doesn't need another party.
Critically, the trend of political leaders establishing new parties post-fallout with their previous parties appears unsustainable. It fuels perceptions of cronyism, as individuals chase personal ambitions rather than seeking broader public good. As Shivambu seeks to carve a new path, he risks further fragmenting an already challenged left, which may ultimately lead to its crumbling under the pressures of increased competition and ideological dilution.
Time will tell whether Shivambu’s move is strategically astute, reckless, or potentially career-ending; however, one thing remains clear: if the left does not unite, it faces a precarious fate in South Africa’s evolving political landscape.
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of Sunday Tribune. The views expressed are his own.