The head of elections for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has stated that Floyd Shivambu, the former secretary-general of the party, overstated his importance, which ultimately led to his demise within the party.
Bongani Baloyi was speaking to Sunday World on Tuesday.
“For people like me and the former secretary-general, who joined the party later, we must not overstate our importance and impact. We found the organisation with just 14% nationally and 45% in KZN,” Baloyi said.
“We must not exaggerate our influence so much that the ground would shake when we move. We were not there during the formative stages of uMkhonto weSizwe.
“If we inflate our importance, we undermine the towering contributions of those who laid the foundation and ensured the MK Party reached 14%.”
Shivambu was removed as secretary-general following an unsanctioned trip to Malawi in April, where he attended a church service led by self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, who has been a fugitive from South African justice since November 2020.
In a press briefing two weeks ago, Shivambu claimed he was dismissed based on a fabricated intelligence report that accused him of attempting to overthrow the party’s leader, Jacob Zuma, and of using witchcraft to murder people to seize control of the organisation.
The December 16 faction
Shivambu told journalists he had been accused of establishing party structures and branches with the intention of toppling Zuma.
He added that there was another false report purported to contain a WhatsApp conversation between him and an unnamed individual, discussing how he would use parliament to overthrow the party after his removal.
Insiders aligned with the December 16 faction — many of whom were involved in founding the MKP — have been calling for Shivambu’s resignation.
They accused him of parachuting in former EFF members who joined the party after him.
This December 16 faction, believed to be led by Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, argues that individuals alleged to be incompetent — including Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Mzwanele Manyi, who followed Shivambu from the EFF — have been elevated to senior positions, sidelining founding MK members.
Baloyi said that party members have moved past the “Shivambu era” and are now focused on their campaign efforts.
He said the party’s ground forces are excited about starting a new chapter.
“The ground has not been affected as much as many anticipated, because people love uMkhonto weSizwe and follow the vision of president Jacob Zuma,” he said.
MK Party continues to grow
Shivambu had been accused of being lazy and disengaged from ground work.
Baloyi said the transition has rejuvenated activism on the ground, as many members were uncomfortable with Shivambu’s approach: “I think this has helped us move forward — the ground is responding well. We are focused, and we are consolidating our base on the ground.”
Baloyi warned that mishandling the party’s transition could compromise its stability and functionality. However, he believes the party has managed the Shivambu issue effectively.
Despite turmoil at the top, the MKP has either won or shown growth in recent by-elections in areas where it has fielded candidates.
Baloyi said that the party is growing both in absolute numbers and in vote share — indicating continued momentum and confidence from its supporters.
“We are growing in both absolute numbers and percentage. This shows that we still have momentum as an organisation and retain confidence from the public.”
