DURBAN, South Africa — The Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has removed Floyd Shivambu from his post as secretary-general after his unsanctioned visit to self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
Bushiri, who fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail for fraud and money laundering charges, was recently ordered to be extradited by a Malawian court. He and his wife, Mary, face charges that include rape and fraud and have indicated they will appeal the ruling.
In a statement delivered by MKP national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko, the party said Shivambu’s visit was not authorized and violated the party’s constitution. He will be redeployed to Parliament, the party said.
“After lengthy discussions… it was concluded that the actions by comrade Floyd Shivambu were found to be against the spirit and the prescripts of the MK Party constitution,” Nhleko said, citing Section 3(j), which prohibits international trips or activities contrary to the party’s agenda.
Zuma, who attended the press conference in Durban on Tuesday, was seated separately from Shivambu, who positioned himself near the media rather than with party leadership — a signal, attendees noted, of the looming announcement.
The party emphasized that Shivambu’s trip took place after the Malawian court ruling on extradition, and that it was neither an official MKP program nor endorsed by Zuma.
“This matter and its implications for the party, its image, values, and principles, left the president and national officials with no option but to act swiftly,” Nhleko said.
Shivambu, who joined the MKP from the Economic Freedom Fighters in August and was appointed national organizer before becoming secretary-general in November, said he accepted the decision and regretted the trip.
“I thank President Zuma for entrusting me with senior roles,” Shivambu said.
Some MKP insiders have criticized Shivambu for allegedly promoting newcomers into key leadership roles at the expense of founding members. Last month, Shivambu said no party member had formally raised such concerns and dismissed criticism made via social media.
IOL
