Written by Lisa Murimi
In a dramatic political shake-up, Floyd Shivambu has been ousted from his powerful position as secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party—just months after joining its leadership ranks—following a controversial visit to self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
Shivambu’s quiet appearance at Bushiri’s Easter service in April has ignited a firestorm within the party founded by former President Jacob Zuma.
Bushiri, a fugitive from South African justice, is accused of fraud and fled the country in 2020 while out on bail.
Despite an ongoing extradition effort, he remains in Malawi, denying any wrongdoing.
MK officials say Shivambu’s trip, which was not sanctioned by the party, violated its constitution and undermined the integrity of the movement.
“The president and national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly,” said MK official Nathi Nhleko.
He added that the trip “was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation”.
Shivambu, once a rising star who defected from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and quickly rose to the upper echelons of MK leadership, now finds himself demoted—stripped of his powerful role but reassigned to parliament.
In a subdued response, he said he “fully accepts” the party’s decision and looks forward to his new position.
The move marks a significant moment for the MK party, which stunned the nation by coming third in the 2024 elections and helping end the African National Congress’s long-standing majority.
But now, internal rifts and controversies threaten to test its unity in the crucible of power.
