Shivambu Defends MK Party's Direction under Zuma's Leadership Amidst Criticism

Floyd Shivambu, who has recently taken over as the secretary-general of the MK party, has firmly backed the organization’s decision to pass over an elective conference, stating that former president Jacob Zuma will remain at the party's helm. Shivambu's defence comes in light of the growing criticism towards the MK party for its failure to develop democratic leadership structures, thus granting Zuma unrivaled power to handpick leaders across all ranks.

In the formative year of the MK party, the secretary-general's office has undergone significant instability with four different individuals exiting the role, either through resignation or removal. With Shivambu’s elevation from national organiser to secretary-general - a role he assumed after joining the party in August at the time of Zuma-led inception - Zuma’s prevailing influence within the party is reinforced.

A recent conversation with SABC News saw Shivambu clarifying that the MK party does not foresee holding an elective conference in the approaching future and that the party will persevere under the "ideological and political guidance" of Zuma. He elaborated on the risks of an elective conference, suggesting it could open the door to factionalism and nefarious financial influences, diluting the party's orientation and values.

Shivambu argued for the importance of the party gaining "full traction," intending to build its foundation across all electoral divisions of South Africa before climbing into the subject of elective conferences. The MK party's immediate goal, according to Shivambu, is to solidify its infrastructure and resolve its present challenges. Only upon achieving these goals will considerations for elective conferences and leadership selection processes potentially change.

Furthermore, Shivambu indicated that the appointment of a national organiser - a decision that remains pending - will be determined by the party's leadership collective soon, choosing from existing uMkhonto weSizwe members for suitability.