In a moment that underscored the unpredictable nature of South African politics, MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu lavished praise on former president Jacob Zuma during his 83rd birthday celebration in Soweto over the weekend.

Once one of Zuma’s harshest critics, Shivambu has now become a central figure in the party Zuma founded after his expulsion from the ANC, marking a political shift few would have predicted. During his time as a senior leader in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Shivambu was a vocal opponent of Zuma.

He was among the most prominent voices behind the “Zuma Must Fall” and “Pay Back the Money” campaigns — movements that demanded accountability for the controversial upgrades to Zuma’s Nkandla homestead using public funds, as well as his alleged role in the state capture scandal.

Shivambu, armed with fiery rhetoric and sharp critique, positioned himself as one of Zuma's most determined adversaries. Yet this past weekend, his tone was one of admiration and reflection.“He’s a humble servant of the people,” Shivambu said, addressing MK Party members and supporters.

“That is what makes him great. No one can ever rise to greatness unless they are humble. Zuma is the most humble of leaders.”Shivambu continued: “You can see it in how he interacts with everyone wherever he is. He talks with everyone, irrespective of social standing, age, class, religious affiliation and irrespective of whether that person has money or not. Zuma listens to every person who speaks to him with maximum respect; that is a demonstration of humility.”

Having resigned from the EFF last year to join the MK Party, Shivambu now finds himself working closely with the very man he once lambasted.

Reflecting on this new chapter, he admitted the irony but emphasized growth and understanding.“I count myself fortunate to now work with President Zuma,” he said.

“Yes, I criticised him before. But over time, I’ve come to understand his depth of knowledge, revolutionary spirit, and commitment to the Freedom Charter in ways I hadn’t appreciated before.”

Shivambu dismissed efforts to discredit Zuma as part of a longstanding campaign to undermine independent African leaders.“For many years, there’ve been so many reactionary and counter-narratives that wanted to portray Zuma as incapable and not knowing what he’s doing,” he said. “The reason that was sustained over a long period of time is because Zuma has never been a project of the white capitalist minority system.”

Shivambu further argued that Zuma’s informal education did not diminish his intellectual capabilities. “He is one of the most knowledgeable political leaders,” he said.

“There are so many people who have gone to schools and received certificates but don’t have a quarter of the knowledge that Zuma has.”