Robert Nwedo Resigns as Deputy President of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement
Robert Nwedo, deputy president of Floyd Shivambu’s recently launched Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM), has formally resigned from his position, marking another significant leadership shake-up within the fledgling organisation. Nwedo tendered his notice to the party on Tuesday, sending ripples through a movement that has already faced internal turbulence despite its short existence.
Nwedo’s sudden departure comes exactly one month after Nolubabalo Mcinga, who served as the AMM’s second deputy president, was dismissed following a reported fallout with party leader Floyd Shivambu. With two senior resignations in quick succession, observers are raising questions about the AMM’s internal cohesion and its ability to stabilise its leadership structures as it attempts to cement itself within South Africa’s political landscape.
Although Robert Nwedo has not yet provided detailed reasons for stepping down, he announced that he will address the matter publicly during a scheduled media briefing next week. Until then, speculation is rife as to what could have prompted such a swift departure from a leadership position he assumed not long ago.
Robert Nwedo and Leadership Turmoil Inside the AMM
The AMM, positioned by Shivambu as a movement aimed at revitalising social justice, economic transformation, and grassroots mobilisation, has been under close scrutiny since its formation. Internal disagreements surfaced early on, and the removal of Nolubabalo Mcinga — reportedly after clashing with Shivambu — was the first major sign of instability.
With Robert Nwedo’s resignation now following closely on the heels of that dismissal, analysts point out that the party may be struggling to consolidate its leadership team. Two exits from the upper echelons of the organisation in a single month highlight potential internal fractures that may undermine the movement’s ability to build momentum ahead of future electoral contests.
In political structures, leadership consistency is vital for both strategy and public confidence. For a new organisation such as the AMM, these abrupt changes may challenge its credibility and raise questions among supporters and potential members.
Despite the significance of his departure, Robert Nwedo has yet to elaborate on the reasoning behind his decision. His brief statement indicated only that he would explain his position at an upcoming media briefing. This has created anticipation within political circles, as many expect his explanation to shed light on the current state of relations within the AMM leadership.
Nwedo’s silence may be strategic, allowing him space to prepare a comprehensive statement without escalating tensions prematurely. It is also possible that his exit stems from policy disagreements, leadership style conflicts, or organisational issues that emerged internally but have yet to be made public. While these possibilities remain unconfirmed, they form part of the broader conversation underway as South Africans try to understand the internal workings of this newly formed political group.
The backdrop to Robert Nwedo’s resignation includes the high-profile dismissal of Nolubabalo Mcinga. Her exit reportedly involved disagreements with Shivambu, indicating possible friction within the party’s core leadership. At the time, some insiders suggested there were disputes over strategic direction, decision-making processes, and internal power dynamics.
If Nwedo’s resignation is related — directly or indirectly — to the same issues, it may highlight deeper structural or ideological challenges within the AMM. However, until Robert Nwedo provides his full account next week, these remain educated observations rather than confirmed facts.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement launched with the intention of positioning itself as a transformative political force. Its founding rhetoric emphasised unity, renewal, and a commitment to addressing socioeconomic inequalities. But internal struggles can weaken a party’s ability to deliver on its promises, particularly at such an early stage.
For Shivambu, the loss of Robert Nwedo — a key deputy — presents a leadership test. Whether the party can recover from these back-to-back departures may determine its viability going forward. Strong leadership cohesion is not only essential for internal functioning but also critical for maintaining public trust in a political environment where voters are increasingly skeptical of new formations.
All eyes will now be on Robert Nwedo’s upcoming media briefing. His explanation will likely influence how both the public and political analysts interpret the current state of the AMM. If his resignation stems from internal disagreements, it may trigger broader conversations about party governance. If his reasons are personal or unrelated to internal conflict, the AMM may still have a chance to stabilise its leadership.
For now, what is certain is that the resignation of Robert Nwedo marks an important moment in the early history of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement — one that may shape its trajectory for years to come.
Source- EWN
