Floyd Shivambu Movement Faces Leadership Turmoil as Internal Battles Intensify
Nearly three months after its launch, Floyd Shivambu’s newly formed political party, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM), is already grappling with significant internal divisions and a sweeping overhaul of its leadership structure. What was expected to be a bold new chapter in South Africa’s political landscape has instead become a period marked by resignations, reshuffles, and a deepening crisis of confidence within the organisation.
The AMM—established under the leadership of Floyd Shivambu following his departure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)—has been billed as a movement aimed at revitalising the struggle for economic freedom and African unity. But despite its ambitious vision, the party has been beset by infighting almost from the moment it was formed. The tensions reached a boiling point this past week when one of the party’s deputy presidents and two of its deputy secretary-generals tendered their resignations, exposing deep rifts within the organisation’s top ranks.
In response, the AMM announced major changes to its leadership structure, replacing two deputy presidents and two deputy secretary-generals. The party also introduced several new positions within its National Leadership Structure—a move it claims is intended to strengthen organisational effectiveness but which critics argue signals instability within the movement.
According to insiders, many of the recent resignations were not voluntary. The AMM has indicated that some leaders “jumped ship” before they were pushed out, hinting at internal disciplinary processes and disagreements over the direction of the party under Floyd Shivambu’s leadership. In a statement, the party described the sudden exodus as a necessary “separation of wheat from chaff,” suggesting that the individuals who left were not aligned with the movement’s core principles or strategic objectives.
Leadership Upheaval Raises Questions About the Movement’s Stability
For a political organisation still in its infancy, such significant turnover at senior leadership level raises concerns about the AMM’s cohesion and long-term viability. The resignations and replacements come at a time when the party is attempting to build momentum ahead of its first National Convention, scheduled for next month. The instability threatens to undermine confidence among supporters, potential funders, and grassroots structures that have only recently begun mobilising.
Compounding the crisis is the AMM’s recent decision to cancel its fundraising gala dinner. The event, which was meant to bring in much-needed funds for the upcoming convention, was abruptly scrapped. Although the party has not provided detailed reasons for the cancellation, the timing suggests that internal turmoil played a significant role. Some analysts believe the leadership upheaval has weakened the party’s ability to organise and coordinate major events, raising questions about its administrative capacity.
For Floyd Shivambu, the stakes are particularly high. As the face of the movement and its most recognisable figure, he must now steer the party through a turbulent phase while convincing both internal stakeholders and the broader public that the AMM remains a credible political force. His leadership style—often assertive and uncompromising—has earned him both supporters who admire his decisiveness and critics who view him as intolerant of dissent. This latest round of infighting may intensify scrutiny of his ability to manage internal differences and foster unity.
Despite the challenges, the AMM has maintained that the leadership restructuring is part of a necessary process to strengthen the organisation. The party insists that the removal and departure of certain leaders will ultimately consolidate the movement around a shared vision, helping it avoid divisions that have derailed other political formations in the past. In this sense, the leadership changes could be seen as an attempt by Floyd Shivambu to assert control, clarify ideological direction, and eliminate what he perceives as disruptive elements.
However, public perception is another matter. For many observers, the AMM’s early months have been defined more by internal battles than by policy proposals or community engagement. Without a clear show of unity and decisive forward movement, the party risks being dismissed as just another splinter group unable to survive beyond its launch hype.
With its first National Convention approaching, the AMM faces a critical test. The event will offer a platform to elect permanent leadership, establish formal structures, and articulate a comprehensive political programme. If successfully executed, it may provide much-needed stability and help reframe the narrative surrounding the party.
For now, though, the focus remains on managing the fallout of the resignations and demonstrating that the movement can weather the storm. As the reshuffled leadership settles into place, all eyes will be on Floyd Shivambu and his ability to restore unity, inspire confidence, and keep the Afrika Mayibuye Movement afloat.
Source- EWN
