EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu has shed light on the evolving iAfrica Mayibuye Movement, describing it as a potential political platform that could contest elections—if that is the will of its supporters.
In his remarks, Shivambu emphasized that the formation of the movement will be rooted in grassroots participation, not elite decision-making. He drew a sharp line between iAfrica Mayibuye and traditional party formation models, which he criticized as often being driven by closed-door meetings among self-proclaimed intellectuals or ideologues.
“This movement will not be born in think tanks or secret hotel conferences,” Shivambu said. “It must emerge from the real experiences and aspirations of ordinary South Africans.”
Shivambu insists that for iAfrica Mayibuye to be authentic and effective, it must mirror the everyday struggles of people on the ground—issues like poverty, unemployment, service delivery failures, and systemic inequality.
While the movement’s structure and strategy are still taking shape, Shivambu’s framing positions it as a bottom-up alternative to established political parties—one that could reshape the political discourse depending on the public’s engagement and direction.
As momentum builds, all eyes are now on whether iAfrica Mayibuye will formally enter the electoral battlefield, and if it will live up to its promise of being a movement of the people, by the people, for the people.
