By Nkosana Khumalo
The MAP16 Civic Movement, a well-established political force in the Free State’s Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality, has distanced itself from any involvement with Jacob Zuma’s recently formed umkhonto we sizwe party (MK Party). This comes after Floyd Shivambu, the National Organiser of the MK Party, posted images on social media implying that MAP16 had engaged in discussions with his party. In response, MAP16 has strongly refuted the claims, clarifying that no official meeting or relationship exists between the two political entities.
Floyd Shivambu’s Social Media Post Sparks Controversy
The incident began when Shivambu shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) on 12 September 2024, where he claimed that MK Party had a “productive and progressive meeting” with a delegation from MAP16. His post read:
“Today we had a very productive and progressive meeting with a delegation of MAP-16. MAP-16 is a civic organisation/political party in Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality (Qwaqwa, Harrismith, Kestell) with 20 Councillors in the Local Municipality (13 Ward and 7 PR). We are preparing for 2026! Viva @MkhontoweSizwex! Gwaza!”
The post, accompanied by photos of Shivambu alongside members of MAP16, quickly gained traction on social media. However, the statement stirred confusion and prompted MAP16 to issue a media alert, categorically denying any formal engagement with Shivambu or the MK Party.
MAP16’s Statement of Clarification
In a media statement released on the same day, Convener Paratlane Motloung and Coordinator Azael Nhlapo of MAP16 addressed the issue head-on, calling the post “misleading” and asserting that the individual in the photograph attended in a personal capacity, not as a representative of MAP16.
“We further note the misleading caption that goes with the photo, implying that the MAP16 delegation had a meeting with MKP,” the statement read.
The leadership of MAP16 further clarified:
“This statement seeks to refute with contempt, any suggestion that MAP16 had any meeting or discussion with MKP. The individual seen in the photo (Executive Member of MAP16), was there in her personal capacity and did not and does not represent MAP16 in any capacity, in any discussions or meetings.”
MAP16 made it clear that while individual members may pursue personal political interests, the organisation itself remains focused on its mission of improving service delivery and governance within the Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality. The statement concluded with a strong message reaffirming the movement’s commitment to its community:
“Like many other political formations in the country which have seen its members leaving for ’greener pastures,’ MAP16 is not immune from the effects and impact that came with the formation of the recently formed MKP. We note that we probably will lose some members to other political formations, however MAP16 remains solid and will defy the odds, and rise to better heights in the quest to improve the lives of the people of Maluti-A-Phofung. PELE FELA! MORAO HO TLETSE!”
Who is MAP16? A Brief Overview of Their Success in the Free State
The MAP16 Civic Movement emerged as a political powerhouse in the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality, which encompasses key areas like Qwaqwa, Harrismith, and Kestell. The movement was born out of a collective frustration with the ANC’s governance in the region, especially regarding service delivery failures and corruption scandals. In the 2021 Local Government Elections, MAP16 secured a significant number of seats in the municipal council, giving it considerable influence.
Currently, the movement boasts 13 ward councillors and 7 proportional representative (PR) councillors, holding a total of 20 seats in the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality. MAP16 has been particularly vocal in advocating for improved service delivery, especially in under-served communities, and has gained a reputation for pushing back against mismanagement and corruption at the local government level.
Their successes in Maluti-a-Phofung have resonated with many residents, who are disillusioned by the ANC’s inability to address key issues such as water shortages, waste management, and infrastructure decay. As a civic movement, MAP16 has positioned itself as a grassroots organisation that remains committed to the people it serves, and this stance has earned it widespread respect.
Floyd Shivambu’s National Recruitment Drive for MK Party
Floyd Shivambu, who holds a prominent position in Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, is currently on a national tour aimed at recruiting smaller political parties and influential figures to bolster their ranks. His recent activities have raised eyebrows, particularly as he seeks to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 national elections.
Shivambu’s outreach to MAP16 is part of a broader strategy to bring civic movements and political parties under the MK Party umbrella, as they aim to challenge the ANC’s dominance. In a recent media briefing, the MK Party made it clear that their goal is to unite smaller parties and form a coalition that can “topple the ANC-led unity government” in the 2026 elections.
Other political figures and parties that Shivambu has courted include Bongani Baloyi from the Xiluva Party and Colleen Makhubele from the South African Renewal Agenda (SARA). His recruitment drive reflects the MK Party’s desire to create a formidable opposition that can rival both the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) on the national stage.
MK Party’s Call to Smaller Political Parties
The MK Party’s strategy to engage smaller political organisations is central to their political vision. At a media briefing earlier this month, MK Party leadership explicitly called on smaller parties to join forces with them in their bid to overthrow the current ANC-led unity government.
Jacob Zuma, as the MK Party’s President, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the ANC’s current leadership, accusing them of deviating from the values that the liberation movement once upheld. The formation of the MK Party was largely driven by disillusionment with the ANC, and their recruitment efforts have primarily targeted parties and individuals who share their critical stance towards the ruling party.
As reported in the Mail & Guardian on 12 September 2024, the MK Party has made it clear that their mission is to “topple the ANC-led unity government,” and they believe that by consolidating smaller parties, they can create a powerful coalition capable of doing so. The party’s leadership has stated that the 2026 elections will be a critical moment for South Africa’s future, as they hope to shift the political landscape.
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