By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 June 2025- The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said its president Jacob Zuma, met with the national officials yesterday to reflect on the state of the organisation. Zuma said as part of the deliberations of the national officials, the matter pertaining to the recent trip undertaken by the Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu to Malawi was reflected upon.
He further said after lengthy discussions and considerable inputs from the national officials, it was concluded that the actions by Shivambu were found to be against the spirit and the prescripts of the party constitution. Zuma added that most specifically, Section 3 (j) under “Offences”, which stipulates that the undertaking international trips and participating in activities and programmes that are opposed to the agenda of the MK Party or an allied party, noting that on the 12 March 2025, the Republic of Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate delivered a ruling that granted the South African Republic’s request for the extradition, it is common knowledge that Bishop Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary Bushiri who allegedly skipped bail and are to return to South Africa to stand trial on various charges.
“Based on the deliberations by the national officials, it was reaffirmed that the trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the president, which therefore goes against the constitution of the party.
“The MK Party and its leadership, has been approached by members of various sectors of civil society and has taken due consideration of the gravity of this matter. Due to the serious nature of this matter and its implications for the party, its image, values and principles, the president and the national officials were left with no other option, but to act swiftly in addressing this matter,” he said.
Zuma said consequently, as a responsible organisation accountable to its electorate and the broader society, the national officials have come to a decision to redeploy Shivambu to the National Assembly. He said they believe that his redeployment will strengthen the MK
Party caucus as the official opposition, as Shivambu carries a wealth of experience as a former Member of Parliament.
“We would like to thank and acknowledge Shivambu’s contribution as both the national organiser and Secretary General of the MK Party and the role he has played in contributing to the advancement of the organisation.
“His invaluable skills and experience as a politician will continue to benefit the MK Party in the new role to which he will be redeployed. The national officials have had discussions with Shivambu pertaining to his deployment, and he has duly accepted,” said Zuma.
The Guardian 