Floyd Shivambu of Afrika Mayibuye
by Thabo Mosia
Floyd Shivambu, president of the fledgling Afrika Mayibuye Movement, has hit back at claims of internal chaos, insisting his party is rock-solid despite a wave of high-profile resignations. Speaking at a press conference in Soweto on 3 December 2025, Shivambu described the recent leadership reshuffle as a necessary purge of “incompetent” members who failed to pull their weight. “We did a scientific measure and assessment,” he said, explaining that the changes were about building a capable team ahead of the party’s inaugural national convention this weekend. The event, held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus, comes amid growing scrutiny of the movement’s stability, just months after its launch in September 2025. As South Africans grapple with economic woes, poverty, and service delivery failures, Shivambu positioned Afrika Mayibuye as the fresh voice for “total freedom and emancipation now,” vowing to tackle black poverty and water shortages head-on.
The presser, opened with a prayer invoking unity from Mark 3:25, drew a crowd of party leaders, ground forces, and media. It followed a day of prayer led by the movement’s chaplain general, Archbishop Bafana Zondo, and highlighted the party’s ties to religious and traditional leaders. With the convention set for 5 to 7 December 2025, Shivambu urged delegates to pay registration fees to ensure its success, framing the gathering as a pivotal moment to debate policies and strategies for radical change.
Background on the Afrika Mayibuye Movement
Afrika Mayibuye Movement emerged from Shivambu’s dramatic exit from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in August 2025, where he served as deputy president for over a decade. After a brief stint with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Shivambu founded Mayibuye as a “21st century liberation movement” focused on land restitution, economic justice, and uplifting the poor. The party’s “Restoration Manifesto” draws on historical struggles, aiming to complete the unfinished business of post-apartheid emancipation. Shivambu has claimed rapid growth, boasting structures in all nine provinces and alliances with workers, youth, women, and faith groups.
However, the movement’s early days have been marred by internal strife. Critics, including political analyst Prince Mashele, have labelled it a “salary project” for Shivambu to secure income after leaving established parties. Fundraising efforts, like a gala dinner where seats next to Shivambu cost up to R2 million, have raised eyebrows about the party’s pro-poor credentials. Despite this, Shivambu insists Mayibuye is “the most consistent and resilient movement on the ground,” rooted in communities and free from “palace politics.”
Leadership Reshuffles and Wave of Resignations
The press conference spotlighted the party’s recent leadership overhaul, announced on 29 November 2025 after a two-day meeting. Shivambu reaffirmed the new structure, which includes three deputy presidents and a mix of experienced revolutionaries from diverse regions. Key roles include:
• First Deputy President: Thato wa Magogodi (North West province)
• Second Deputy President: Nomsa Ka-Mashobane Sibisi (KwaZulu-Natal)
• Third Deputy President: Siphephile Cyprian Mahlaba (KwaZulu-Natal, also provincial chairperson)
• Secretary General: Lazola Ndamase (Eastern Cape)
• First Deputy Secretary General: Mzwandile Goge (Gauteng, heading the workers desk)
• Second Deputy Secretary General: Nosipho Makamba (Western Cape)
• National Chairperson: Mmabatho Mokause (Gauteng)
• Deputy National Chairperson: Siphiwe Mkhatshwa
• National Organiser: Patrick Sindane (Gauteng)
• Deputy National Organiser: Lindy Spires (Western Cape)
• Treasurer General: Tshepo Mahanuke (Mpumalanga)
• Fundraiser General: Menzi Magubane (KwaZulu-Natal)
• Chaplain General: Archbishop Bafana Zondo
This setup replaces former deputies and secretaries who resigned or were removed. Shivambu dismissed the exits as opportunistic, claiming the officials knew they were being recalled for poor performance. “The resignations of the officials is because of incompetent people who were unable to do organisational work,” he stated. [11] Among the departures:
• Robert Nwedo, first deputy president, resigned on 26 November 2025 to focus on his role as president of the My African Workers Union South Africa (MAWUSA). He described being “overwhelmed” by dual responsibilities and plans to launch a new political party, with details expected at a media briefing next week.
• Nolubabalo Mcinga, second deputy president, was fired in October 2025 after a fallout with Shivambu, though she denied plans to form a new party. [
• Deputy secretaries general Gabsile Cynthia Shongwe and Luther Lebelo also resigned amid the reshuffle.
The party views these changes as “separating the wheat from the chaff,” removing “rotten apples” who brought opportunism. Shivambu compared it to historical shifts in parties like the ANC, insisting it’s a sign of maturity and commitment to competence. [18]
Key Announcements: Workers Desk and Policy Focus
A highlight was the launch of the Mayibuye Workers Desk, aimed at supporting exploited sectors like Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers, Community Work Programme (CWP) participants, security guards, petrol attendants, retail workers, and farm workers. Led by Mzwandile Goge, the desk will establish structures at all levels to reinforce unions and address workers’ plight, without replacing them.
Shivambu reiterated the party’s “Restoration Manifesto,” explaining it as restoring the unfinished liberation struggle. Secretary General Lazola Ndamase elaborated: it’s about uplifting the masses, uniting them under one banner for total liberation, countering voter apathy where over 50% abstain from elections.
Tackling Black Poverty and Water Crisis
Shivambu renewed calls for a commission of inquiry into black poverty, arguing it’s intergenerational and needs binding solutions, inspired by how white poverty was eradicated post-apartheid. “We need to speak to what causes black poverty and how do we permanently remove black poverty in our communities,” he said.
On water access, he demanded the government declare shortages a national disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act for emergency funding. Mayibuye has started borehole projects in Collins Chabane (Limpopo), Amahlathi (Eastern Cape), and plans irrigation from the Phongola River in Jozini (KwaZulu-Natal). “There must not be a single village or peri-urban settlement without clean water,” Shivambu urged, claiming it could be fixed in 12 months.
Religious and Traditional Ties, National Day of Prayer
The presser emphasised Mayibuye’s links to faith groups, following participation in the MOPE Foundation National Day of Prayer on 30 November 2025. Shivambu praised sermons on crime, poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, and water access from leaders like Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane (Zion Christian Church) and Bishop Bhekizizwe Zwane (Nazareth Baptist Church). He noted religious leaders represent 70-80% of South Africans and are more connected to people’s aspirations than politicians obsessed with “palace politics.”
A dedicated prayer day on 2 December 2025, led by Archbishop Zondo, focused on the convention’s success.
International Stance: G20 Snub and African Peace
Shivambu condemned the US for excluding South Africa from the 2026 G20 summit over “unfounded lies” about domestic affairs. He urged South Africa to lobby G20 members to isolate the US for multilateralism.
On Africa, he called for peace in conflict zones like Sudan, Somalia, DRC, and others, criticising external meddling. “The African Union must facilitate peace between DRC and Rwanda, not the US,” he said, questioning recent elections in Tanzania, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Eyeing 2026 Local Elections and 2029 Victory
Looking ahead, Shivambu claimed Mayibuye members already serve as councillors and deputy mayors in some municipalities, drawn by the party’s vision. He dismissed comparisons to smaller parties like ActionSA, asserting national presence and readiness for by-elections. First Deputy President Thato wa Magogodi predicted: “Mayibuye in 2029 will be a governing party in South Africa.”
Shivambu vowed to contest 2026 local polls strongly, focusing on water, electricity, sanitation, and infrastructure. Despite challenges, he insisted Mayibuye is “the most dependable voice” for marginalised communities, religious, and traditional leaders.