JOHANNESBURG – Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has launched a new initiative that may reshape South Africa’s political landscape. Although still officially a member of the MK Party, Shivambu has established the Mayibuye Consultation Panel, which aims to engage the public on whether there is a need for a new political organisation in South Africa.
In a media briefing held on Friday, Shivambu revealed that a growing number of MK Party members, both current and former, are deeply dissatisfied with the party’s trajectory. This dissatisfaction, he said, has prompted the formation of the Mayibuye Consultation Panel—a structure meant to listen to ordinary South Africans and determine whether there is political appetite for a new movement.
While speculation has been rife that Mayibuye could signal a formal split from the MK Party, Shivambu insists that the panel is not a breakaway organisation. However, he openly acknowledged that a significant portion of the Mayibuye leadership and supporters are former MK Party members.
Shivambu Denies Mayibuye Is a Breakaway Group
“This is not a breakaway organisation,” Shivambu clarified during the briefing. “But it is true that the majority of those involved are individuals who feel politically homeless and disillusioned with the current state of the MK Party.”
Among those named as part of the Mayibuye national leadership are Patrick Sindane, Menzi Magubane, and Luther Lebelo, all of whom previously held roles within the MK Party.
At the heart of Shivambu’s initiative is a deep concern over what he describes as the “unviable” direction of the MK Party. Once hailed as a potential revival of South Africa’s liberation-era politics, the MK Party is now, according to Shivambu, falling short of expectations.
“The majority of MK members, including those that remain, are not pleased with the manner in which the organisation is run,” he stated. “People believed the MK Party could become a vehicle to continue the legacy of the liberation movement. But as it stands, it cannot fight the real battles of the people of South Africa.”
This disillusionment, according to Shivambu, has created a political vacuum that Mayibuye hopes to address. By consulting the public directly, the panel aims to discover whether there is a broader desire for a new, inclusive political platform.
The Mayibuye Consultation Panel will begin its work as early as next week, conducting town hall meetings, focus groups, and digital engagement campaigns across the country. According to Shivambu, the goal is to understand what South Africans want in a political movement—and whether they feel existing parties are addressing their needs.
“Our role is not to dictate, but to listen,” Shivambu said. “We are going to the people, not with answers, but with questions. Do they feel represented? Do they feel seen? Do they want something new? These are the questions we’re asking.”
The panel is expected to operate over several months, gathering insights from all sectors of society, including youth organisations, civil society groups, trade unions, and grassroots communities.
Political observers have noted that Shivambu’s latest move could signal a major realignment in South African politics. Given his history of activism and leadership within various political formations, some analysts believe he has the ability to galvanise disillusioned voters, especially those who have grown tired of both the ruling ANC and newer movements like the MK Party.
Dr. Nandi Mkhize, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg, commented on the significance of Shivambu’s timing.
“There is a clear gap in South African politics—one that appeals to the aspirations of a younger, economically strained, and politically frustrated population. If Shivambu can turn Mayibuye into a credible platform, it could gain serious traction.”
While Shivambu remains officially affiliated with the MK Party, his current efforts suggest a clear move toward political realignment. Whether the Mayibuye Consultation Panel leads to the birth of a new political party remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Shivambu is positioning himself at the center of an important national conversation about representation, leadership, and the future of political engagement in South Africa.
The coming weeks will be critical as the panel begins consultations and gauges the political temperature on the ground.
By launching the Mayibuye Consultation Panel, Floyd Shivambu has made it clear that he believes South Africa is at a political crossroads. While still a member of the MK Party, his actions suggest he is ready to challenge the status quo and lead a new discourse on what kind of political representation the country truly needs.
Whether or not Mayibuye transforms into a full-fledged political organisation, Shivambu has sparked a necessary and timely national debate—one that may redefine South Africa’s political future.
