Shivambu Speaks Out on Demotion and Internal Party Conflict
Senior political figure Floyd Shivambu has broken his silence following his recent demotion within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, blaming what he calls “political scoundrels” close to Jacob Zuma for misleading the former president with fake intelligence reports.
Earlier this month, Shivambu was abruptly removed from his influential role as secretary-general of the MK Party and reassigned as an ordinary member of Parliament. This unexpected shake-up has sparked speculation and internal conflict within the party, raising serious questions about the integrity of leadership processes and decision-making at the top level.
Speaking on the matter, Shivambu expressed deep respect for Zuma but lamented that the MK Party leader is being manipulated by dishonest individuals operating within his inner circle. According to him, these individuals created and circulated a false intelligence report that alleged Shivambu was planning a coup to unseat Zuma as party president.
“The president of MK Party, who I dearly and so deeply respect, is surrounded by political scoundrels, who opportunistically use his kindness and sometimes gullibility that comes with age to write down fake intelligence reports to influence him towards wrong decisions,” Shivambu said.
Shivambu Denies Overthrow Allegations
The controversial intelligence report suggested that Shivambu was actively working behind the scenes to stage a political coup within the MK Party. However, he has firmly rejected the accusations, labeling the document as “fabricated nonsense” meant to destabilize his standing and sow division in the ranks.
“I have never plotted against President Zuma, and I find it offensive that such unfounded allegations would be used to justify my demotion,” Shivambu asserted. “This is a coordinated effort by people who fear a transparent and democratic party structure.”
He added that these so-called intelligence reports are increasingly being used in political circles to discredit strong, independent voices and that Zuma may have been misled into accepting these narratives without proper verification.
The demotion of Floyd Shivambu has further highlighted internal tensions within the MK Party, which was formed as a political platform aligned with the ideals of the African National Congress’s (ANC) military wing but has since become a distinct political movement under Zuma’s leadership.
While the MK Party had presented a united front publicly, sources within the party suggest that disagreements over leadership style, transparency, and party direction have been simmering beneath the surface for months.
Political analysts have noted that Shivambu’s removal may signal deeper issues within the MK Party, including a lack of open dialogue, an over-reliance on informal intelligence, and the influence of unelected advisers over party operations.
Despite his demotion, Shivambu has vowed to continue serving the people of South Africa through any political platform that values integrity and democracy. In an earlier interview, he clarified that he does not cling to political positions and would not beg for party membership or relevance.
“I don’t beg for membership of political organisations,” he previously stated, adding that his political commitment extends beyond titles or positions.
In fact, Shivambu has already taken steps to convene a committee that will explore the possibility of forming a new political party. This move has sparked speculation that he may be considering a full break from the MK Party to chart an independent political course.
While Shivambu has not officially confirmed any such plans, those close to him suggest that a new party may focus on transparency, youth empowerment, and grassroots mobilization—key themes that have defined much of his political career to date.
As of this report, Jacob Zuma has not issued an official response to Shivambu’s public remarks. The former president has remained largely silent on the internal reshuffling within the MK Party, even as questions mount about the credibility of the intelligence that led to the secretary-general’s dismissal.
Party insiders say Zuma continues to enjoy significant loyalty within the MK Party, but his leadership style—marked by a tight circle of advisers and limited public engagement—has come under increasing scrutiny.
The fallout from Shivambu’s demotion has placed the MK Party at a crossroads. As it navigates these internal challenges, the party must address concerns about transparency, internal democracy, and unity if it hopes to remain a viable political force.
For Floyd Shivambu, the incident has only strengthened his resolve to fight against what he calls political opportunism and misinformation.
“I will continue to speak the truth, even when it is inconvenient,” he said. “We cannot allow our democracy to be hijacked by lies and manipulation.”
As South Africa’s political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Shivambu—whether he remains within the MK Party or steps forward with a new political vision of his own.
Source- EWN
