MKP, Shivambu tussle signs of a deeper conflict

REACTIONS to and commentary on Floyd Shivambu’s press conference have come fast and furiously from many quarters. This is understandable.

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First, Shivambu is no ordinary politician. He was part of the formidable leadership of the ANC Youth League led by Julius Malema. The two were pivotal in the formation of EFF, its policy framework, and its electoral appeal.

Shivambu’s political shift to the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) after the 2024 national election caused a stir. His position as secretary-general placed him at the hub of the new party.

As a person of considerable stature in all of these political parties, with ready access to confidential decision-making and information, he was regarded as a trusted comrade.

As a result, many were shocked by his revelations about financial irregularities at MK and the insults hurled at members of MKP, EFF and the ANC. Shivambu could well have caused damage not only to the MKP but to his standing. Time will tell.

It is also conceivable that had Shivambu been included in the MKP parliamentary list, the presser would not have seen the light of day. In that case, Shivambu’s gambit would be a case of someone throwing a tantrum after not getting his way.

His political gambit is an opportunistic spin of a disgruntled politician who places his ambitions above that of the party. In expressing his frustration with the MKP, Shivambu took the nuclear option.

In a country mired in corruption, allegations of financial mismanagement are not to be taken lightly. Shivambu’s gambit is a case of saying: “If I am pushed, I will take the organisation to where it cannot recover.”

For MKP, the consequences are grave. The EFF’s Sinawo Tambo could not have articulated this more sharply.

PROFESSOR SIPHO SEEPE

Higher education and strategy consultant. He writes in his own capacity.