After Manyi's axing, focus now turns to Shivambu's future

THE Jacob Zuma-led MK Party (MKP) decision to axe Zuma's longtime confidante Mzwanele Manyi as Chief Whip has raised questions over the future of the current Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA and MASHUDU SADIKE [e-mail] [e-mail]

It has been reported that Manyi's removal as a party's parliamentary chief whip was prompted by his fallout with Zuma's deputy, John Hlophe and stemmed from the State of the Nation Address debate, where Manyi reportedly duped Hlophe into delivering a speech under the pretext that it was supplied by Zuma.

It later emerged that Manyi had allegedly lied, and the two exchanged heated arguments in front of the caucus members in a meeting, which many said almost degenerated into a physical fight.

Party insiders said Manyi's removal signalled that more significant changes were to come and Shivambu's position was tenuous, especially after he had a fallout with Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.