The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has distanced itself from an upcoming media briefing organised by its former secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, labelling the event as unsanctioned.
Despite Shivambu circulating a media invite displaying the party’s colours and branding for the Thursday press conference — amid speculation that he would announce his exit from the organisation — MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela made it clear on Wednesday that the leadership had not approved the event.
“The party did not sanction this briefing; we are not part of it,” Ndhlela told Sunday World. He clarified that while Shivambu remains a member of the party, his decision to call a press conference without official approval is a violation of internal protocol. He said as of Wednesday, Shivambu had not tendered his resignation.
“What we can confirm is that this press briefing is not sanctioned by the party. And that’s important — because when members call a press briefing, it must be approved by the party leadership,” the spokesperson said, adding that “Yes, the person [Shivambu] who called the briefing is a member of the party. That’s exactly what I’m saying. But he did not follow the procedure.” He added that the party was also surprised to see the media invitation on social media and would only understand what it is about when it is aired.
Ndhlela would not be drawn into speculation about Shivambu’s motives or about rumoured changes in Shivambu’s party. “We can’t respond to rumours or things we know nothing about. I’m not going to entertain speculation,” the spokesperson said.
Shivambu called a media briefing for Thursday, June 19, “to address recent political developments in South Africa”.
Announced on social media
He announced this in a social media post on Wednesday, June 18.
“Those who have worked with us knew that our guiding principle was rooted in the words of Amílcar Cabral: ‘Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, or failures. Claim no easy victories.’ It was in our DNA to speak the truth because truth is revolutionary.”
The planned briefing comes on the back of mounting speculation that Shivambu will use the platform to announce his resignation from the MK Party to form his own party, a move insiders say has been in the making since his controversial removal as secretary-general early this month.
Shivambu’s fallout with the party leadership has played out dramatically in recent weeks. It culminated in a very public rebuke by party founder Jacob Zuma.
During the launch of the MK Youth League in Durban at the weekend, Zuma took aim at unnamed party leaders. He suggested that some had been quietly dismissed from key positions due to misconduct.
Zuma took swipe at ex-SG
“We have had seven secretaries general. Some did things we could not speak about publicly. We had to remove them,” he said.
Though Zuma did not name Shivambu directly, party insiders confirmed the remarks were a thinly veiled reference to the ousted SG. He was removed just months after being elevated to the post in November.
“There are comrades who are unhappy about the decision and want to protest,” he said. He was referencing the growing internal backlash against the leadership’s handling of the matter.
Shivambu, a former EFF leader, joined the MK party last August and quickly ascended the ranks. He was initially appointed as national organiser. Then he was named secretary-general, a move that angered founding MK members who felt sidelined.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
These frustrations were made public by Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. In February she posted a series of scathing tweets. She called Shivambu “useless” and “the worst thing that happened to the MK party”.
In one post, she wrote, “OKSALAYO FLOYD IS USELESS”. And in another she said, “F**k you, Floyd,” further describing him and his allies as “bloody mafikizolos”.
The tirade prompted the party to demand a formal apology and consider disciplinary action. It laid bare internal tensions over Shivambu’s swift rise and the perceived marginalisation of founding members.
Controversial Malawi visit
After months of internal discontent, tensions peaked when national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko announced Shivambu’s removal at a media briefing. He cited his unsanctioned visit to self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri. The church leader is wanted in South Africa for fraud, money laundering, and rape, and the visit to him was cited as the reason.
Bushiri and his wife, Mary, fled the country in 2020 while out on bail and have since been living in Malawi. According to the party, Shivambu’s trip to Malawi and his meeting with Bushiri not only violated party protocol, it also contravened its constitution.
“He undertook the visit without informing the party leadership. Such actions are inconsistent with the responsibilities of someone holding the office of secretary-general,” said Nhleko at the time.
Declined redeployment
The party also announced Shivambu would be “redeployed” to parliament, which he has declined. Party insiders say Thursday’s media briefing could be the final nail in the coffin of Shivambu’s MK tenure. One source confirmed, “He’s gone. What we are seeing now is him laying the groundwork for his next political move.”
Speculation about Shivambu’s political future has intensified in recent days. Sources close to him further suggest he is preparing to launch a new political formation ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
With Shivambu expected to speak publicly on Thursday, all eyes will be on the message he delivers. And how it may reshape the already volatile landscape of South African opposition politics.
