South Africa’s political scene could be heading for yet another shake-up.
Former EFF deputy president and recently ousted MK Party secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, has resurfaced with a new vision — and he’s already seeking the blessing of traditional leadership.
Over the weekend, Shivambu met with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in KwaZulu-Natal to discuss the way forward for his emerging initiative, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
Shivambu Meets with the Zulu Monarch
According to Shivambu, his meeting with King Misuzulu was both “productive” and “instructive.”
The two leaders engaged on the future of the Mayibuye Movement and its potential to become a formal political organisation.
Sharing his optimism online, Shivambu wrote:
“Afrika Mayibuye Movement is taking a correct shape and direction! We are blessed.”
This visit formed part of a broader consultation process across KwaZulu-Natal, where Shivambu and his team have been engaging communities on whether the movement should transform into a political party.
Community Voices Call for an Alternative
At a briefing in Durban, Shivambu explained that the people he has met in KZN are pushing for something new.
Communities, he said, are calling for a movement that doesn’t just speak politics, but also unites unions, civic organisations, and ordinary South Africans under one umbrella.
The goal? To contest the 2026 general elections with a stronger, people-driven force.
Importantly, Shivambu noted that the Mayibuye Movement will not overlook South Africa’s traditional structures.
He emphasised that royal and community leaders would have a recognised role in shaping the organisation’s future.
Not a Breakaway, but Something Bigger
With whispers suggesting Mayibuye could simply be another breakaway faction from his past affiliations, Shivambu was quick to push back.
He stressed that the movement isn’t a split from the ANC, EFF, or even the MK Party, but rather an entirely new entity.
“We are not a breakaway of any of those small organisations.
We are an organisation by ourselves, and come elections, we are going to demonstrate that we are above both quantitatively and qualitatively,” he declared confidently.
A Tumultuous Political Journey
Shivambu’s political career has been anything but smooth.
From his early years within the ANC to becoming a founding member and deputy president of the EFF, and later serving briefly as secretary-general of the MK Party before being shown the door, his trajectory has been full of sharp turns.
Now, with the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, he appears to be carving out his own independent path.
Could Mayibuye Redefine South African Politics?
With the 2026 elections drawing closer, the big question is whether Shivambu’s movement will genuinely capture the imagination of South Africans or simply join the long list of smaller political parties fighting for relevance.
For now, the buzz in KwaZulu-Natal suggests there’s an appetite for change.
