Shivambu axed over meeting with Bushiri

Visit to Malawi was not sanctioned says MKP

- WILLEM PHUNGULA and HOPE NTANZI

THE UMKHONTO Wesizwe (MK) Party's announcement yesterday that Floyd Shivambu had been removed from his position as Secretary-General has ignited debate about the stability and governance of the party.

Shivambu has been redeployed by the party to be a Member of Parliament. The move comes after Shivambu's unsanctioned visit to meet with controversial Malawian fugitive Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in April this year.

Bushiri and his wife, Mary, fled the country in 2020 after being granted bail on charges including fraud and money laundering. A Malawian court recently granted South Africa's request to extradite the couple to face charges, including rape and fraud, and they have indicated their intention to appeal.

In a statement read out to the media by the party's national chairperson, Nkosinathi Nhleko, the party said Shivambu's visit to Bushiri was not sanctioned by the party and violated its constitution. The party also announced that Shivambu will be redeployed to parliament.

MK Party leader Jacob Zuma attended the press conference to announce Shivambu's axing yesterday in Durban, and there were signs before the conference even started that Shivambu was no longer part of the top leadership - he chose to sit closer to the media contingent and away from Zuma.