WATCH: Shivambu appointed MKP’s national organiser

The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary General, Sifiso Maseko, during a media briefing on Thursday morning.

Shivambu has abandoned the party he helped found and his position as MP to join the MK Party.

Maseko said Shivambu will be part of the party's High Command, the highest decision-making body between conferences.

The structure, which comprises eight officials and 45 additional members, is tasked with building and expanding the organisation ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

President Jacob Zuma will remain president, with John Hlophe continuing as his deputy and Maseko as the secretary general. 

Deputy secretary-general is  Nombuso Mkhize, National chairperson is Nkosinathi Nhleko.

As the national organiser, Shivambu will be responsible for organising and developing the party's organisational documents and guidelines, political education, policy and research, and monitoring and evaluating governance.

He will also be in charge of caucuses and public representatives working with the secretary general.

"The national organiser is also responsible for representing MKP in the IEC structures.

“The national organiser, in concurrence with the secretary general, is responsible for the establishment of MKP structures and the leagues," said Maseko.

Speaking to the media for the first time since leaving the EFF, Shivambu reiterated that he did not join the uMkhonto weSizwe to be handed a position.

"Some people asked me, 'What is going to happen because in MKP leadership changes every week and what if they change you?' and I said, ‘If I am removed as the national organiser, I am going to be a member, and if I am removed as a member, I am going to be a volunteer and put posters even without the approval of the leadership’. I am not here for opportunistic purposes,” said Shivambu.

He refused to disclose what influenced his decision to leave EFF.

"I will never betray the revolution. We are not in the business of trying to please each other's egos here. 

 We are in the business of building a revolutionary movement that is going to emancipate the black majority and Africans in particular - and we are unapologetic about that. That is what we stand for,” he said.