Floyd Shivambu Officially Launches Afrika Mayibuye Movement as a New Political Party, SA Weighs In

• Floyd Shivambu has officially launched the Afrika Mayibuye Movement as a political party and movement
• Shivambu stated that numerous people expressed a desire for a new party during the consultation process
• South Africans weighed in on Shivambu's launch, with many joking that he finally got his wish

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

Floyd Shivambu has officially launched his own political party and movement, sparking mixed reactions online.

The former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Secretary-General announced the formation of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement on Friday, 5 September 2025.

Shivambu made the announcement at the Mhulu Boutique Hotel in Midrand on Friday, where he appointed himself president of the new party.

Shivambu explains decision to form party

Speaking at the official launch, Shivambu said that they will publish the list of officials online, as well as the party’s restoration manifesto, called the Afrika Mayibuye Restoration Manifesto.

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He said the decision to launch the party was made after a lengthy nationwide consultation process in which many people expressed the need for a new party.

“Throughout the consultation process, participants repeatedly emphasised their desire to be healed without interruption or judgement, sharing deep insights into these struggles that have long been known by those in power,” he said.

The party has now already appointed its leadership structure, including leadership for a women’s movement and the youth movement. Afrika Mayibuye Movement will contest the 2026 Local Government Election and future elections.

Shivambu made the decision to begin a consultation process after he was removed from his post as Secretary-General of the MK Party.

What you need to know about Shivambu

• Zuma appointed Shivambu as the MK Party's Secretary-General in November 2024.
• Shivambu sparked criticism online over his decision to visit fugitive pastor Bushiri in Malawi.
• Zuma removed Shivambu from his post for undertaking unauthorised international trips.
• Shivambu said he would remain a party member and consider starting his own political movement.
• Shivambu’s membership was terminated in August 2024 after he made several utterances about the party.

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How did South Africans react to the news?

While some social media users welcomed the decision, many joked that Shivambu could finally be considered the president of a party.

Lindelo Hlatshwayo asked:

“So, are you done consulting 😂?”

Lebza Ramajela joked:

“Lol, everyone who registers their companies are considered as directors and CEOs 😅 he is the President of his own party.”

Tony Mhatlhe said:

“Finally, he's the President. The wait was too long for him. Dual membership is loading. No conference to elect the president.”

Katlego Harold Lekoloane added:

“His dream came true🤣.”

Khutjo Mathole Montjane asked:

“Is the consultation over already🤣?”

Sbongiseni Dlamini questioned:

“President by default. No election conference?”

Flames Ngoza stated:

“I was never consulted. Didn't he say he will consult people in the county😂.”

Dave Nyamane asked:

“Who voted for him to be president?”

I'Am-Thabiso Maile joked:

“All he ever wanted was to be a President of something😂.”

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Mukovhe Muthelo laughed:

“He won't step down as president. Just like Juju. They are the same, no difference.”

Jacob Zuma is disappointed with Shivambu

Briefly News reported that Jacob Zuma has broken his silence on Shivambu's decision to form his own political party.

Zuma said that he was disappointed with Shivambu's actions, adding that he really trusted him.

Shivambu made the decision to consider starting a new party after he was removed as Secretary-General of the MK Party.

Source: Briefly News