Shivambu's controversial leadership ends at MK Party

FORMER secretary-general (SG) of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, Floyd Shivambu's unauthorised visit to Malawi to meet with fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri has been publicly cited as the reason for his removal from his position after a tumultuous tenure marked by controversy and power struggles.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

However, senior members of the party in Gauteng believe there had been a flurry of reasons why Shivambu was booted despite his proximity to party president Jacob Zuma.

Some of the reasons that were stated include that Shivambu was parachuted, after he joined the party from the EFF, to national organiser, then SG - a powerful position in any political party.

His tenure as SG was marred by controversy and power struggles, as his appointment was met with opposition from senior party members, who questioned his loyalty.

Some in the party even accused Shivambu of being a double agent, having joined the MK Party to “manage” Zuma.