MK National Organiser: Floyd Shivambu. Picture: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers
Former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has hit back at his former president and confidant Julius Malema after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leadership announced the former Red Beret in their top eight structure on Thursday.
Shivambu, who was announced National Organiser by the MKP leadership on Thursday, has since deserted Malema to joining former president Jacob Zuma’s party recently, creating animosity between the two long time friends.
Malema, while addressing the party’s ground forces forum at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, on Monday-clearly sending a message to Shivambu-warned those who have betrayed calling him a traitor.
However; Shivambu, speaking for the first time since his resignation, hit back at Malema intimating that he had not been in politics to nurse Malema’s ego.
“I hear people saying I have betrayed an individual, but nowhere in their statement are they saying I have betrayed the revolution. I will never betray the revolution, I am not here to satisfy one’s ego, the business of the revolution movement is to emancipate the majority of Africans in particular and I am not apologetic about that,” emphatic Shivambu said.
“The attempt for unification is not just an opportunistic one because there electoral declines in the EFF. It is a genuine political discussion which all South Africans must enter into. Those who are in favour of the revolution because revolution is the content of what we are standing for. It is not about betraying someone. Where does that enter and you don’t even once suggest that I am betraying the revolution? I will never betray the revolution,” he said.
He was speaking as his new party held a press briefing in Johannesburg to announce changes to its executive calling for unity among “progressive forces”.
Shivambu reiterated his decision of joining the MK Party as solid and sound.
Former police minister and ANC member Nathi Nhleko, who was previously MKP’s national organiser ahead of the 2024 national and provincial elections, was announced to be the party’s national chairperson.
Zuma remains the president, and former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe his deputy.
Taking the podium, Dr Hlophe denied Shivambu was recruited to destroy the EFF.
“This is far from it thus is not the case. We are running our own programme. He is a great politician and is sharp as a razor and will play a good role to take the MKP forward.”
Speaking of those who were taking the party to court, Hlophe said that they had a right to take anyone to court.
“At the end of the day. It is only the judge who will make a decision on September 3. The fraud allegations by Mr Khumalo. He too has a right to open a case against anyone. It is unwise to comment on allegations made by Mr Khumalo. We generally do not comment on matters before court. This is completely unwise,” Hlophe said.
Secretary-General Sifiso Maseko, who chaired most of the programme, said the top eight structure known as the National High Command Structure was brought into being through wide consultations with everyone and is representative of the wishes of the people on the ground and the skills and capabilities of those elected.
He said the MK Party remained committed to the progressive caucus in the national Parliament and all provincial legislatures.
“We have to demonstrate unity against the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) and mobilise our people to reject the alliance of the right wing political formations. We will engage with different unions and civil society formations including those that are in alliance with other political parties.
“The MKP will strive for unity And unification of unions in different sectors and will strive to achieve such,” he added.
Party top 8 officials are: President - Jacob Zuma, deputy president - Dr John Hlophe, secretary general - Sifiso Maseko, deputy secretary general - Nombuso Mkhize, national organiser - Floyd Shivambu, national chairperson - Nkosinathi Nhleko, deputy national chairperson Wilson Sebiloane, treasurer general - Menzi Magubane.
The Star
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za | sipho.jack@inl.co.za | siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za