Floyd Shivambu
Floyd Shivambu announces himself as president of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, launching the new political party on 5 September 2025 in Midrand, Johannesburg, following a nationwide consultation process to contest the 2026 local government elections and beyond, aiming to address South Africa’s pressing challenges with a revolutionary vision.
A New Chapter in South African Politics
On Friday, 5 September 2025, Floyd Shivambu, a prominent South African politician and former deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), officially launched the Afrika Mayibuye Movement as a registered political party, declaring himself its president. Speaking at the Mhulu Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Johannesburg, Shivambu unveiled the party’s vision, leadership structure, and the Afrika Mayibuye Restoration Manifesto, which outlines 100 reasons for the movement’s formation, including unemployment, landlessness, inequality, and national debt. The announcement marks a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape, as Shivambu positions the movement to challenge established parties like the African National Congress (ANC), EFF, and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in the 2026 local government elections and the 2029 national polls.
The launch follows months of nationwide consultations under the Mayibuye Consultation Process, initiated in June 2025 after Shivambu’s expulsion from the MK Party, where he briefly served as secretary-general. “I have the honour on behalf of our foremothers and forefathers, on behalf of the people of South Africa, on behalf of the current and future generations, and by the grace of the Almighty God, to announce the formation of Afrika Mayibuye Movement as a political movement and political party,” Shivambu declared, emphasizing its commitment to “total political, economic, and cultural freedom—now, and not tomorrow.”
The Road to Afrika Mayibuye: From Consultation to Party Formation
Shivambu’s journey to founding the Afrika Mayibuye Movement began after a tumultuous exit from the MK Party in July 2025, following his dismissal as secretary-general over an unauthorised trip to Malawi to meet fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. The MK Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, terminated his membership on 15 July 2025, citing violations of trust and ideological misalignment. Undeterred, Shivambu announced the Mayibuye Consultation Process on 27 June 2025, engaging traditional leaders, faith-based groups, civic organisations, and ordinary citizens across provinces, including a significant push in KwaZulu-Natal, to gauge support for a new political entity.
The consultation process, which concluded in September 2025, revealed widespread disillusionment with existing parties. Shivambu noted, “The number one lesson is that people crave genuine listening,” highlighting the public’s desire for a movement that addresses their struggles without judgment. The process culminated in the registration of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) under the Electoral Commission Act of 1996, securing a certificate that allows the party to contest by-elections and the 2026 local government elections.
Leadership and Vision of Afrika Mayibuye
Shivambu, as the national convener turned president, unveiled a robust leadership structure, including two deputy presidents—Robert Nwedo, president of the Maanda Ashu Workers Union of South Africa (Mawusa), and Dr. Lubabalo Mcinga, a former EFF MP. The party has also appointed a secretary-general, deputy secretaries-general, a national chairperson, a deputy chairperson, a national organiser, and leaders for its women’s and youth wings, as well as a medical professionals’ team. The Afrika Mayibuye Restoration Manifesto, published online for public input, articulates the party’s ideology, addressing issues like immigration, land reform, economic empowerment, and anti-corruption measures.
The movement’s logo, featuring a green map of Africa, a black clenched fist holding a “spear-pen” (symbolising the fight for freedom through knowledge), and colours—black for African identity, green for land rebirth, gold for mineral wealth, red for martyrs’ blood, and purple for royalty—has drawn comparisons to the EFF’s branding. Shivambu defended the design, stating it reflects a broader African liberation ethos shared by major black political organisations. He clarified that the party’s shortened name is “Mayibuye,” not AMM, to avoid confusion.
Shivambu’s vision is bold: “We are going to contest all the wards in the 2026 local government elections. We’re going to contest to win all the municipalities in 2026. We are going to contest to win the general elections in 2029.” He positioned Mayibuye as a revolutionary alternative, rejecting corruption, family dynasties, and personal enrichment schemes. “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, taking a swipe at his former parties, the EFF and MK.
Challenges and Controversies
Shivambu’s political journey has not been without controversy. His departure from the EFF in August 2024, after a decade as deputy president alongside Julius Malema, shocked many. He cited discomfort with the EFF’s “culture of disruption and rudeness” in Parliament, orchestrated by “one person” rather than collective leadership. His brief stint in the MK Party ended in acrimony, with Shivambu alleging his dismissal was based on a “fake intelligence report” accusing him of plotting against Zuma and using witchcraft. Zuma expressed disappointment, stating he had trusted Shivambu, while critics labelled him a “political prostitute” for switching parties thrice in a year.
The VBS Mutual Bank scandal also looms over Shivambu’s reputation. A 2018 South African Reserve Bank report implicated his brother, Brian Shivambu, in receiving R16.1 million (US$1.09 million) in irregular payments from the collapsed bank, raising questions about Floyd’s involvement. While he has denied wrongdoing, the scandal’s “stink” continues to challenge his credibility, as noted in a June 2025 analysis.
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