JOHANNESBURG — The MK Party has officially terminated the membership of its former Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu, following a series of scathing public remarks made by him against the party and its leadership. The expulsion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political rift within the recently formed party, which has faced intense scrutiny and controversy since its inception.
Shivambu, who was demoted from his position as Secretary General in June 2025, has since become one of the most vocal critics of the MK Party and its leadership, particularly former South African president Jacob Zuma. He recently launched a breakaway political initiative called the Mayibuye Consultation Process, stating that he no longer believed the MK Party was a viable platform for the liberation of black South Africans.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Johannesburg on Friday, MK Party national chairperson Nathi Nhleko announced that Shivambu’s membership had been terminated with immediate effect.
“Shivambu has positioned himself completely outside the ideological and organisational framework of the MK Party. He has not only distanced himself from the party’s vision, but has also violated the trust and principles entrusted to him as a former Secretary General,” Nhleko stated.
According to Nhleko, a formal letter of expulsion was sent to Shivambu on 15 July 2025, and the party will not entertain any further dialogue regarding the matter.
Shivambu Criticizes MK Party Leadership and Jacob Zuma
In his recent public appearances and statements, Floyd Shivambu has harshly criticized the MK Party, referring to it as a “family affair” and accusing Jacob Zuma of using the party for personal gain and family enrichment. He went as far as to describe Zuma as “senile,” further fueling tensions between himself and the party leadership.
Shivambu has accused Zuma of running the party like a private household, where loyalty is based not on political principle but on personal allegiance to the Zuma family.
“The MK Party has unfortunately become a vehicle not for national liberation, but for consolidating the political ambitions of one family. That is not what I joined the struggle for,” Shivambu said during an earlier interview.
The fallout has not only highlighted the internal fractures within the MK Party, but has also raised questions about the party’s governance structures and long-term sustainability.
The MK Party, which was established in late 2023 and has since grown rapidly in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, has faced criticism over internal governance, transparency, and centralization of power around Jacob Zuma. Shivambu’s expulsion appears to be a clear message from the party leadership that dissent and insubordination will not be tolerated.
“This is not just about political differences; it’s about fundamental breaches of trust and party discipline,” said Nhleko. “We have a responsibility to our members and supporters to maintain the integrity of the party and its mission.”
The MK Party has also accused Shivambu of attempting to sow division at a critical time in the party’s development, framing his new political movement as a betrayal of the collective struggle.
Following his dismissal from the MK Party, Shivambu launched the Mayibuye Consultation Process, describing it as a new political vehicle aimed at reviving the values of Pan-Africanism and economic freedom. Though still in its infancy, the movement has already attracted some attention among younger voters disillusioned with mainstream political options.
However, political analysts are divided on whether Shivambu’s new initiative will gain traction in South Africa’s crowded political landscape.
“It’s too early to say if the Mayibuye Consultation Process can become a significant political force. What’s clear, though, is that the fragmentation within the MK Party could weaken its broader appeal if internal divisions continue to go unresolved,” said political analyst Thabiso Mokoena.
The termination of Shivambu’s membership comes at a sensitive time for the MK Party, as it attempts to consolidate its base and position itself as a credible alternative in South African politics. While the party remains popular in certain regions, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, controversies such as this one risk alienating key constituencies and undermining the party’s broader ambitions.
Meanwhile, Shivambu remains defiant. In response to the expulsion, he has vowed to “continue the struggle” through his new platform and insists that he has no regrets about leaving the MK Party behind.
“This expulsion means nothing to me. The real betrayal would be remaining in a structure that has lost its soul,” he said in a social media post.
As both the MK Party and Shivambu move forward on divergent paths, their political futures will likely be shaped by their ability to resonate with South Africans hungry for meaningful change, unity, and leadership rooted in principle.
Source- EWN
