Shivambu retracts Ndlela ‘drug addict’ remark
Former MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu has issued a public apology to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela, retracting remarks he made during a live television interview in which he labelled Ndlela a “drug addict.”
Speaking at a media briefing in Midrand on Friday, Shivambu, now the national convener of the Mayibuye National Consultation Team, said his apology was made under the guidance of the collective leadership of the consultation process.
"Part of the guidance, which I agreed with, is that I must unconditionally retract the statements about drug use and alcohol abuse of Nhlamulo Ndlela, unconditionally,” he said.
He used the opportunity to discourage substance abuse, especially among those in public office.
"Drugs will never build you. You will make a lot of mistakes. But we really, unconditionally, retract those statements,” Shivambu added.
His apology came hours after Ndlela filed a R3 million defamation lawsuit against Shivambu at the Johannesburg High Court, citing reputational damage, mental distress, and financial losses.
Court documents reveal Shivambu was initially given until this past Tuesday to issue a public apology but failed to do so.
Ndlela alleges the remarks led to mockery on social media and have negatively affected his mental health and finances.
Shivambu repeated the accusations in a series of televised interviews where he spoke critically of the internal workings of the MK Party.
At the same briefing, on Friday, Shivambu formally announced the leadership committee of the Mayibuye National Consultation Process, a structure dominated by former MK Party members who have since distanced themselves from the organisation.
The committee includes Patrick Sindane, Luther Lebelo, Menzi Magubane, and the controversial Bishop Stephen Zondo.
"A substantial number [of members] come from former leaders and members of the MK Party because of the correct observation that, in its current configuration, the majority of MK members, including those who remain, are not pleased with the manner in which the organisation is run,” Shivambu said.
He said the MK Party, as it stands, lacks internal discipline, transparency, and democratic structure, traits essential for leading any true liberation movement.
"You can’t have decisions overturned by a family dinner table. That’s not how collective leadership works,” he said.
Shivambu added that the consultation process is ongoing and that if public sentiment supports the formation of a new political party, the group will proceed, not in conflict with the MK Party, but in the interest of the people of South Africa.
"There will always be differences, but we will never abandon the process of consulting South Africans,” he said.
The politician dismissed concerns about time and funding, saying the Mayibuye initiative will do what it believes is right for the country.
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