uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader and former South African President Jacob Zuma has dismissed Floyd Shivambu from his role as Secretary-General of the party following a controversial trip to Malawi. According to an official media statement issued by the party, Shivambu’s visit was not sanctioned and was deemed to have violated the MK Party’s constitution.
The statement, issued by the Office of the President, noted that Shivambu’s trip to Malawi involved engagement with self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, who is currently facing extradition to South Africa to stand trial on various charges. Zuma and the MK Party leadership said the actions undermined the party’s agenda and violated Section 3(j) of the MK Party Constitution, which prohibits international engagements that oppose the party’s interests.
“This trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the President,” the statement read. “Due to the serious nature of this matter and its implications for the party, its image, values, and principles, the President and the National Officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly.”
Despite the dismissal, the party maintains that Shivambu remains a valuable asset. He will now be redeployed to the National Assembly, where he is expected to strengthen the MK Party caucus in his capacity as a former Member of Parliament. The decision was confirmed in a follow-up communication from the party’s media department.
“Commander Floyd Shivambu carries a wealth of experience as a former MP, and his redeployment will reinforce the MK Party’s presence in Parliament as the Official Opposition,” the statement added. The party thanked Shivambu for his service as both National Organiser and Secretary-General.
Shivambu becomes the fifth Secretary-General appointed—and dismissed—by Zuma since the party’s formation in December 2023. The rapid turnover has raised concerns about internal stability and leadership coherence within the recently formed political movement.
The MK Party has urged the public and its supporters to remain focused on the organisation’s mission, promising that internal discipline and adherence to its constitution will be enforced to maintain the party’s credibility and purpose.
