Two main contenders to replace Floyd

SPECULATION continues to swirl about who will succeed Floyd Shivambu as the next uMkhonto weSizwe Party's (MKP) secretary-general, after his recent axing.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Former DA Midvaal mayor, Bongani Baloyi and Phumlani Mfeka have emerged as the two main contenders.

Last week Zuma fired Shivambu, saying he had defied the party's constitution by going without permission to Malawi, where he attended a church service led by self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri.

Bushiri is a fugitive in South Africa after he fled the country, violating his bail conditions for fraud and rape charges.

Senior officials within the MKP believe Baloyi's appointment could bring much-needed balance to the party's leadership.

According to MKP sources, Zuma was looking to appoint a secretary-general who could represent the party's diverse support in provinces and in constituencies.

Baloyi's name had emerged as a potential candidate due to his strong leadership background and his ability to bring a different perspective to the party, sources said.

"The president (Zuma) does not want to alienate other provinces.