Sexual Harassment Allegations Shake Floyd Shivambu’s Afrika Mayibuye Movement Amid Growing Internal Rift
Johannesburg – In a series of explosive social media posts, Nolubabalo Mcinga, the deputy president and co-founder of the newly formed Afrika Mayibuye Movement, has accused the party of using smear tactics against her, including false spy claims and what she calls “organisational sexual harassment” through defamation and intimidation. These claims come just weeks after the party’s launch, highlighting deep divisions within the group as it prepares for the 2026 local government elections.
Mcinga, a former Member of Parliament and well-known community activist, detailed her grievances on X, formerly known as Twitter, starting from 18 October 2025.
She described a pattern of mistreatment that has left her family in financial distress and herself feeling silenced by party structures. As rumours swirl about leadership tensions and possible splits, party leader Floyd Shivambu has yet to respond publicly, fuelling speculation about the movement’s stability.
The Spark: Mcinga’s Public Outcry
On 18 October 2025, Mcinga took to X to address swirling rumours about her departure from the Afrika Mayibuye Movement. In a post viewed by thousands, she firmly denied leaving the party or starting a new one, stating she remains its deputy president and founder. “I have not resigned or been dismissed from the Mayibuye,” she wrote, adding that any future decisions would be announced through an official press briefing.
She revealed that she had been removed from internal WhatsApp groups without explanation, a move she linked to false allegations levelled against her in a letter dated 11 October 2025. Mcinga said she responded to these claims within the required seven days, describing them as baseless. This incident, she explained, was part of a broader effort to isolate and discredit her within the party.
By 20 October 2025, her posts escalated, touching on deeper issues of disrespect and abuse. In one widely shared statement, Mcinga wrote: “Any political formation that disrespects traditional leadership, undermines women and is itself the source of sexual harassment cannot claim moral or spiritual legitimacy. To violate women and dishonor traditional authority is to invite a curse upon oneself.” This quote, which garnered hundreds of likes and reposts, appeared to target the party’s handling of internal disputes, particularly those affecting women leaders.
Mcinga clarified that her reference to sexual harassment was not about physical or verbal abuse from Shivambu himself. “President never sexually abused me, don’t put words in my mouth, the Mayibuye system of dispute did,” she posted in response to online speculation. Instead, she described it as “organisational sexual harassment” – a form of intimidation through coordinated acts meant to humiliate and silence her, including defamation and exclusion from key discussions.
Personal Toll: Family Struggles and Financial Hardships
Mcinga’s allegations go beyond party politics, painting a picture of broken promises that have devastated her family. She claimed the party failed to honour salary commitments, leading to severe consequences. Her daughter was expelled from university due to unpaid fees, her son faced difficulties at school, and Mcinga’s own car was repossessed.
In addition, Mcinga alleged she was stripped of VIP protection and travel allowances, leaving her vulnerable and further isolated. These claims were echoed in online discussions, with one post from 21 October 2025 noting that comrades within the movement had turned against her following her public grievances.
She also accused the party of misusing her daughter’s car in smear campaigns and spreading false narratives that she was spying for external forces. “There are even worse allegations now — similar to what he was once accused of in MKP,” Mcinga posted on 21 October 2025, referring to past controversies involving Shivambu during his time with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), where he faced claims of plotting against leadership and other unethical alliances. “I’m disappointed and feel used, but my love for the cause burns stronger than ever,” she added, highlighting lessons learned from the ordeal.
Background: The Rise of Afrika Mayibuye Movement
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, often shortened to Mayibuye, was officially launched as a political party in September 2025 by Floyd Shivambu, the former deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and later secretary-general of the MKP. Shivambu positioned the party as a revolutionary response to South Africans who have lost faith in politics, aiming to contest the 2026 local elections with a focus on total freedom and emancipation.
Mcinga, alongside Robert Nwedo, was named as one of two deputy presidents at the launch. As a Pan-Africanist, philanthropist, and former EFF MP in the National Council of Provinces, she brought significant experience and a strong following. She is also known as Queen Khazeka, the estranged wife of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, adding a layer of traditional authority to her role.
The party has emphasised women’s empowerment, appointing Dr Nozi Dube as president of its women’s wing in September 2025 to address issues like gender-based violence. Ironically, Mcinga’s claims of undermining women and sexual harassment through institutional means cast a shadow over these efforts.
The movement’s formation followed Shivambu’s dramatic exit from the MKP in June 2025, where he was dismissed amid accusations of plotting to oust Jacob Zuma, maintaining unethical alliances, and even using witchcraft. Shivambu denied these, calling them fabrications by “political scoundrels” close to Zuma. Mcinga played a key role in the early consultations, serving as Shivambu’s spokesperson and helping shape the party’s vision.
Internal Fractures and Rumours of Splits
Infighting has plagued the young party almost from the start. Social media posts speculate about “power tensions” and “tribalism,” with some suggesting Mcinga’s issues stem from the arrival of new members like Dr Musa Nozi Dube and Nombuso Mkhize from the MKP.
One post from 20 October 2025 called for “justice for Nolubabalo Mcinga,” claiming she founded and conceptualised the movement, only to have it “stolen” by others. Another highlighted tensions between Mcinga and other figures, dubbing it “the Queen vs. the lazy half-drunk Mmabatho.”
Rumours of sexual harassment within the party have also surfaced beyond Mcinga’s claims. A post on 20 October 2025 noted “rumours of sexual harassment in Mayibuye,” linking it to broader concerns. This comes amid controversy over rape-accused Bishop Zondo joining the party’s consultation team in June 2025, facing charges of sexual assault against multiple women.
Party spokesperson Sydney Baloyi confirmed internal issues are being handled but provided no further details. Mcinga, in a 20 October post, criticised the party’s culture of silence: “I wish Mayibuye could adopt the spirit of questioning & owning responsibility individually. Right now, everyone seems to wait for someone else to speak, even when they see something is wrong.” She vowed not to be silenced, questioning, “If I’m chased out because of my voice, then what politics does Mayibuye stand for?”
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