Building a Revolution: Floyd Shivambu's Vision for MKP

Shivambu’s Blueprint: Reshaping MKP for a Revolutionary Future

The tactical brilliance is already being displayed by Floyd Shivambu, the new National Organizer of the Mkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP). At the party's first press conference, the announcement of new structures and the high command collective already depicts Shivambu's brilliance in structuring and organizing political parties.

At today's press conference, we saw the MKP address the public after their leaders had been in the news for a variety of reasons. Former President Jacob Zuma had been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after the appeal date had passed, and there had been no appeal filed with the ANC, marking the end of 65 years with the liberation party. Additionally, Shivambu announced his decision not to renew his membership with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which received harsh commentary from the President and Co-Founder, Julius Malema, on Monday evening.

Yet, amongst all the negative media attention, this was the first time the MKP seemed to be a unified entity with some degree of structure. Much credit must go to Floyd Shivambu, who was heavily involved in establishing the structure of the EFF, the 4th largest party. The party Secretary General, Sifiso Maseko, announced the new leaders and the new structures for the party, which aimed to establish an executive, provincial offices, and committed MPs throughout the party.

Former President Jacob Zuma remained party President. The Deputy President was John Hlophe, Secretary General Sifiso Maseko, Chairperson Nathi Nhleko, Deputy Chair Will Sibiloane, Deputy SG Nombuso Mkhizwe, Treasurer General Menzi Ngubane, and National Organizer Floyd Shivambu. These leaders would make up the high command collective, which would organize the party and gear the party up for the elections in 2026 and 2029. Additionally, they would be the highest decision-making entity within the party.

Uniquely, Shivambu's role ensured the establishment of MKP as an actual political party with clear policies, branches, and regions nationwide. Moreover, Shivambu is responsible for the appointment of MKP party members to Parliament and overseeing research and policy development. This begs the question of whether or not Shivambu is truly just the President-in-waiting.

With Shivambu having an extensive amount of executive power and direction over the party in the coming months, it will allow him to ensure the stability of the party and may even further allow him to establish his own vision independent of his former comrade Julius Malema.

Already, Shivambu made a commitment to the revolution of economic emancipation for his people. “We are building a revolutionary movement to emancipate the black majority and Africans in particular, and we are unapologetic about that. That is what we stand for.” This shows great commitment to the people on the ground and to the party.

Moreover, he has been committed to political work that bolsters growth for the party regardless of the role he holds. “Some people were asking me what will happen because the MKP has leadership changes every week. What if they change me? If I am removed as the national organizer, I will go back to being a member. If I am removed from being a member, I will be a volunteer and put up posters, even without the approval of the leadership.”

Former President Jacob Zuma has had a long history of health complications, and his age limits his ability to give his complete self to the party all the time. It seems that Shivambu has been given the ability to ensure and enforce the success of the party.

However, with tension already brewing between his former comrade and the party, it may lead to factionalism between the two largest left-leaning parties. At the moment, it is unclear how independent the MKP can be from the EFF, as they both remain committed to the Progressive Caucus. However, it seems that their ability to co-exist may be easier said than done.

Indefinitely, Shivambu has to be commended for the work he has already partaken in. Being at the press conference early, ensuring that everything was set up and ready to go, and greeting senior members of the party, he seems to be taking this opportunity in stride and enjoying his newfound independence.