Floyd Shivambu has accused individuals close to former president Jacob Zuma of siphoning off R7m from the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, alleging the funds were looted within a matter of months after the party’s formation.
Shivambu, a founding member of the EFF and a former ANC Youth League (ANCYL) spokesperson, also alleged on Thursday that he was ousted from his position as MK party secretary-general based on an intelligence report engineered to damage his credibility.
In a press briefing two weeks after being fired as secretary-general, Shivambu lifted the lid on internal MK dynamics and described the group surrounding Zuma as “political scoundrels” exploiting the party’s resources for personal gain.
He did not provide any evidence to support his allegations.
Internal disputes over strategic direction combined with tensions surrounding the party’s trajectory also led to him being removed from his position in MK, he added.
Shivambu said he was presented with an “intelligence report” during a meeting of party officials two weeks ago that accused him of, among other things, plotting to overthrow Zuma as MK party leader.
The intelligence report also claimed Shivambu was “accumulating supernatural powers to remove people”, he said.
“And in a subsequent meeting I’m reported to have said that I’m going to use parliament to take over the party. [Zuma] is surrounded by political scoundrels.”
The allegations add to the Zondo commission’s serious findings about Zuma’s time in office, in which the State Security Agency (SSA) was reportedly used for his own political agenda. Former intelligence officials, including ex-SSA head Loyiso Jafta, testified that secret networks were set up to avoid oversight, run unofficial operations and spy on ANC members who were seen as disloyal to Zuma.
Shivambu, who rose to national prominence as spokesperson for the ANCYL under then-president Julius Malema, was one of the key firebrands advocating for radical economic transformation, including the nationalisation of mines and banks.
After his expulsion from the ANC, Shivambu cofounded the EFF in 2013 but left in 2024 to join the Zuma-led MK party.
He was axed by Zuma after visiting Malawi to see fugitive “prophet” Shepherd Bushiri.
Bushiri is wanted in SA over numerous charges including fraud and rape.
Announcing his dismissal as secretary-general, Zuma said Shivambu’s actions had violated the party’s constitution, which discourages international trips, activities and programmes “that are opposed to the agenda of the MK party or an allied party”.
At Thursday’s press briefing, Shivambu said he would not resign from the party, but rather would begin a consultative process on whether a new political party should be established.
“The leadership collective that is going to meet … is going to determine the problem of action, the length and the process of consultation,” Shivambu said.
“Over the next few months, we will be consulting all the traditional leaders … all the church leaders and leaders in different institutions and constitutions.
“We will be seeking the views and opinions of all the manifestations of the Zion Christian Church, of the Nazareth Baptist Church, of the IPCC, of the Twelve Apostles’ Church in Christ, the Bantu Church of Christ and all the charismatic churches.”
MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela had not responded to questions at the time of publication.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.