South Africa’s political stage is getting a fresh contender.
Former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has officially launched the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, a political party and grassroots movement that he believes can change the course of the country’s future.
At a press briefing held at the Mhulu Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Shivambu revealed that the Electoral Commission has already registered Mayibuye under the 1996 Act, clearing it to contest upcoming elections.
Setting Bold Election Goals
Shivambu made it clear that Mayibuye won’t just be making up the numbers.
He announced that the movement plans to contest every ward in the 2026 local government elections with the ambitious goal of taking control of municipalities.
But that’s just the beginning. His sights are firmly set on the national stage in 2029.
“We are not contesting for the sake of contesting. We are contesting to win, and we are going to win the elections in 2029,” Shivambu declared confidently.
Leadership and Manifesto Unveiled
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has already finalised its leadership structure, which includes a president, two deputy presidents, a secretary-general with deputies, a national chairperson, and organisers.
The full list will soon be available online, alongside the group’s Restoration Manifesto.
This manifesto takes aim at 100 pressing challenges facing South Africa, ranging from unemployment and inequality to landlessness and national debt.
It also lays out Mayibuye’s values, its ideology, and its position on issues like immigration, development, and accountability.
Colours, Symbols, and Identity
Every political movement needs its symbols, and Shivambu didn’t hold back.
Mayibuye’s colours—black, green, gold, red, and purple—carry specific meaning: African identity, rebirth of land, mineral wealth, the sacrifices of liberation fighters, and African royalty.
The logo is equally powerful: a clenched black fist holding a spear pen, representing the idea that freedom is won not just through struggle, but also through knowledge and ideas.
From Expulsion to Reinvention
This bold political move comes just weeks after Shivambu’s dramatic expulsion from the MK Party in July 2025. The party accused him of misconduct, including an unauthorised trip to Malawi to meet Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and holding independent talks with South Africans about forming a new political platform.
Instead of stepping back, Shivambu has doubled down, presenting Mayibuye as a revolutionary alternative to traditional politics.
A Revolutionary Promise
Shivambu insists that the Afrika Mayibuye Movement will avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other political organisations. “The Afrika Mayibuye Movement will not be a cult. It will not be a family project. It will not be a scheme for self-enrichment,” he said.
Instead, he promised that Mayibuye will fight for workers’ rights, fair labour practices, quality education, healthcare access, and equitable distribution of resources.
The Big Question
The launch of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement adds yet another twist to South Africa’s fast-changing political landscape.
After his fallout with MK, Shivambu is betting on his new movement to win over frustrated voters and reshape the country’s future.
The big question now is: can the Afrika Mayibuye Movement really become the game-changer Shivambu promises?