MKP contenders start to emerge in race to replace Shivambu

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is pondering who will succeed axed secretary-general Floyd Shivambu, with the names of former DA Midvaal mayor, Bongani Baloyi and Phumlani Mfeka emerging as contenders.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Last week Zuma fired Shivambu, saying he had defied the party's constitution by travelling without permission to Malawi, where he controversially 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 as he faces 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 is looking to appoint a secretary-general who can represent the party's diverse support in provinces and in constituencies.

Baloyi's name has 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. Baloyi represents a different dynamic, which would mix things up instead of choosing someone who may be seen as representing a particular province or group,” a source said.