The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), under the leadership of former President Jacob Zuma, has removed Floyd Shivambu from his position as Secretary-General, citing a breach of party protocol following an unauthorised visit to self-proclaimed Malawian prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.

Shivambu’s trip, which reportedly lacked official endorsement from the party, has stirred significant controversy, not only because of Bushiri’s ongoing legal troubles but also due to the internal political implications it has sparked within MKP ranks. The visit occurred in the wake of a Malawian court’s decision to grant South Africa’s extradition request for Bushiri and his wife, Mary, who absconded in 2020 while out on bail on charges including fraud and money laundering. The couple is also facing allegations of rape, which they intend to contest through an appeal.

In a statement delivered by MKP national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko, it was confirmed that Shivambu had violated internal regulations. Reading from a formal communique, Nhleko emphasised that the party’s constitution had been breached.

“After lengthy discussions and considerable inputs from the national officials, it was concluded that the actions by (Shivambu) were found to be against the spirit and the prescripts of the MK Party Constitution. Most specifically, Section 3 (j) under ‘Offences’, which stipulates the following: j) Undertaking international trips and participating in activities and programmes that are opposed to the agenda of the MK Party or an allied party,”

The announcement was made during a press conference held in Durban on Tuesday, which Zuma attended. Observers noted signs of political distancing even before the official proceedings began, with Shivambu opting to sit closer to the media contingent and away from Zuma — a subtle but telling gesture.

“On Monday, President Jacob Zuma met with the National Officials of uMkhonto weSizwe Party, to reflect on the state of the organisation. As part of the deliberations of the national officials, the matter pertaining to the recent trip undertaken by the Secretary General Floyd Shivambu to Malawi was reflected upon.”

The leadership reiterated that Shivambu’s journey had not been endorsed by either the party structures or the President, and thus constituted a contravention of the party’s values and regulations.

“Based on the deliberations by the National Officials, it was reaffirmed that the trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the President, which therefore goes against the constitution of the party.”

The party further justified the decision as essential to upholding the organisation’s principles and public image.

“Due to the serious nature of this matter and its implications for the party, its image, values and principles, The President and the national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly in addressing this matter,”

Shivambu, who joined MKP from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in August of the previous year, was initially appointed as national organiser and swiftly promoted to Secretary-General by November. His rapid rise within the party drew mixed reactions, with some insiders alleging he favoured newcomers for senior roles over foundational members — a claim that has added layers of complexity to his dismissal.

Although the official rationale for his removal focuses on the Malawi visit, dissent within MKP suggests broader discontent. Allegations have emerged from some party quarters accusing Shivambu of centralising power by appointing loyalists and sidelining long-standing members.

In response to the news of his removal, Shivambu expressed remorse and publicly accepted the party’s decision.

“I regret my decision to go to Malawi,”

he said, adding that he remains grateful for the trust placed in him by Zuma.

“I thank President Zuma for entrusting me with high positions in the party.”

Shivambu has previously dismissed accusations against him, stating that no formal complaints had been raised in internal meetings and suggesting that criticism emerging on social media lacked credibility.

“No party member had raised their unhappiness with me in formal meetings of the party and I would not entertain faceless voices on social media platforms.”

Despite his demotion, Shivambu is not being entirely removed from political duties. The MKP has announced that he will be redeployed to serve in Parliament — a move that may signal an attempt at reconciliation or merely a pragmatic reassignment to preserve unity within the fledgling party.