Shivambu plans reflect MKP frustration - analyst

Shivambu, the former secretary general of the MKP, held a media briefing in Midrand on Thursday, where he revealed that he would begin a process of consulting with South Africans about forming a new political movement to contest the 2026 local government elections.

This move comes in the wake of accusations that he attempted to unseat former president Jacob Zuma as leader of the MK Party, and Zuma’s public criticism of Shivambu during the recent Youth Day commemorations.

Political analyst Dr Levy Ndou says the media briefing clearly indicated Shivambu’s dissatisfaction with how he has been treated within the MK Party.

"It’s a clear indication that Floyd Shivambu is frustrated in the MK Party, he is frustrated by being deployed and redeployed. He’s frustrated by the fact that the constitution allows that to happen. 

"He’s also frustrated by decisions that have been taken by the MK Party, and by the fact that, as he indicated, some people feed Jacob Zuma wrong information and decisions are made based on that."

Ndou added that Shivambu’s relationship with elements of the MKP leadership appears to be irreparably damaged.

"I expected him to speak about his relationship with the MK Party leadership, and clearly, that relationship — at least with some — is broken. He appears to be wanting to move on."

Despite this, Ndou noted that Shivambu adopted a diplomatic tone, likely in an effort to preserve ties with supporters inside the party.

"He did not want to burn bridges, because I think there are people in the MK Party who would be sympathetic with him. He’s focusing on broad consultation, which may include current members of the MK Party. So he’s tried to be as diplomatic as possible — because who knows, he might need some of them in the future."

Ndou praised Shivambu’s strategy as both transparent and responsible.

"My view is that this is the right move. It’s open, it’s transparent. Nobody can say Floyd betrayed them. He’s being honest and saying, ‘I’m consulting.’ That’s honourable."

However, Ndou warned that Shivambu’s decision may not sit well with some in the party.

"Some MK members will not be happy with this. But he’s been demoted, denied deployment to Parliament, and accused via questionable intelligence reports of trying to take over the party. Consultation is the best way forward."

Ndou also questioned how the MK Party will respond, particularly in light of its past tolerance of Jacob Zuma’s dual political affiliations.

"They might terminate his membership, or ignore it. But it will be interesting to see how the MKP handles Shivambu’s dual status, especially when Zuma also has dual membership and the party seemed comfortable with that."

Meanwhile, MKP Member of Parliament Sihle Ngubane says Shivambu’s decision to remain a party member is welcomed — for now.

Speaking to SABC News, Ngubane said the matter should be handled internally.

"If Comrade Floyd is still a member of MK, we really appreciate that, but let’s leave that to the National High Command to deal with. These are internal political matters. They need to sit down and see how to work together, especially since he still holds President Zuma in high regard."

Shivambu has not announced a formal exit from the MK Party, but his public consultation process suggests a significant shift in direction — one that could mark the beginning of a new political movement in the lead-up to 2026.

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