Shivambu remains with Zuma’s party despite plans for new political formation

FORMER uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu will remain a member of the Jacob Zuma-led party despite his intention of forming a new political party. 

 "I'm saying that we are going to consult with the people of South Africa and if uMkhonto weSizwe believes that going to listen to people violates that constitution then it will tell me that."

His stance appears to mirror Zuma’s move when he refused to terminate his ANC membership after he had announced that he would be leading the MK Party. 

Shivambu told a media briefing in Johannesburg that his removal from his position was due to a fake intelligence report claiming he wanted to overthrow  Zuma. 

 According to Shivambu, the fake intelligence report alleged that he was accumulating supernatural powers to make people disappear and was plotting to dethrone Zuma. 

"It was extremely bizarre and a fake intelligence report that I was about to overthrow Zuma and that I had supernatural powers to make people disappear."

Shivambu claimed that Zuma is surrounded by "political scoundrels" who are taking advantage of his age and kindness to influence him to make decisions that favour their agendas.

 He further alleged that these individuals are siphoning off millions from the party and that his leadership was being undermined.

Shivambu's demotion was announced by the party on June 3, with the reason cited as his visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church in Malawi over the Easter weekend.

However, Shivambu said Zuma had initially agreed to his trip to Malawi, but later reversed his decision after being influenced by those around him.

Shivambu's future in the party has been uncertain since his removal as secretary-general. In response, he announced that he would consult with various communities and groups to gauge whether he should launch his own political party. 

Shivambu said he would never join the ANC because it was disorganised and the EFF a cult.

MKP spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela had not yet responded to any questions at the time of going to print.

However sources within the MKP said that Shivambu had played a huge gamble and was probably going to be expelled for saying that he did not care if he was expelled.   

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