Floyd Shivambu Ousted as MK Party Secretary-General After Controversial Pastor Visit

Floyd Shivambu, once a rising star in South Africa’s MK party, faces removal for attending a service led by a fugitive pastor, casting shadows over party loyalty and ethics.

In a significant political shift, Floyd Shivambu has been dismissed as the secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party after attending a controversial Easter service at Shepherd Bushiri's church. Bushiri, a well-known Malawian preacher, faces serious fraud charges in South Africa and fled back to Malawi after being released on bail in 2020. While the South African government continues efforts to extradite him, Bushiri maintains his innocence.

The MK party, established by former President Jacob Zuma, announced Shivambu's removal during a press conference, emphasizing that his actions ran contrary to the party's constitution and integrity. MK official Nathi Nhleko stated that the visit was not part of an authorized party program, leaving the leadership with no choice but to respond decisively.

Despite his dismissal from a key leadership role, Shivambu will continue to serve as a party member and will represent the MK party in the National Assembly. Following the announcement, he expressed acceptance of the decision and looked forward to his responsibilities in parliament.

This incident occurs in a backdrop where the MK party, after its formation in August of last year by Shivambu himself from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), gained significant traction in South Africa's political landscape. The MK party secured third place in the recent elections, contributing to the African National Congress (ANC) losing its long-held majority for the first time post-democracy.

Amidst ongoing political maneuvering, this event raises questions about party loyalty and ethics within South Africa's evolving political framework.