Magasela Mzobe, the head of Presidency for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), recently moved swiftly to quell rumors of internal discord within the party, specifically addressing claims that a rift had formed between the party’s secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a key member of Parliament and the twin sister of Duduzane Zuma. Social media speculation had suggested that Shivambu might be replaced by Duduzane Zuma, sparking debates about potential shifts in leadership.
In a clear statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday evening, Mzobe sought to reaffirm the party’s unity and clarify the positions of both Shivambu and Zuma-Sambudla. “Comrade Floyd, the SG of the MK Party, is NOT going anywhere,” Mzobe wrote, firmly countering the rumors. “He remains a trusted SG by President Zuma and the organisation.” The post also stressed the importance of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, assuring party members that she, too, would continue in her vital leadership role. Mzobe emphasized that both individuals were integral to the MK Party’s success, especially as the party prepares for the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections. He urged members to ignore the social media hype that was designed to sow confusion.

Shivambu’s journey to the MK Party is noteworthy, as he was once the deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) before making a significant departure. After joining the MK Party, Shivambu was appointed as the national organiser and, later, the secretary-general in August of the previous year, following a shake-up in the party’s leadership. His predecessor in the secretary-general position, Sifiso Maseko, resigned, while Arthur Zwane was removed. Shivambu’s shift from the EFF to MK Party has drawn attention, especially from former EFF supporters, with some accusing him of betrayal. Despite this, Shivambu has maintained that there are no lingering issues between him and EFF leader Julius Malema, reinforcing his loyalty to the MK Party.
In a separate post on X, Mzwanele Manyi, the MK Party’s Chief Whip in Parliament and another former EFF member, weighed in on the growing rumors surrounding Shivambu and Zuma-Sambudla. Manyi, who joined the MK Party after defecting from the EFF, dismissed the notion that Zuma-Sambudla was targeting Shivambu. “Shivambu is solid as a rock in the MK Party,” Manyi wrote, emphasizing his confidence in the party’s leadership stability. Manyi’s words echoed Mzobe’s sentiments, further cementing the party’s unified front amidst external speculation.
The recent wave of rumors and infighting in South African politics has highlighted the fragility of party loyalty. While both Shivambu and Manyi have faced criticism from some EFF supporters, notably from Malema, their positions within the MK Party remain secure for now. Malema’s comments, calling for the removal of all traces of Shivambu from the EFF, have only intensified the perception of a split. Despite the controversy, Shivambu has insisted that his departure from the EFF was not driven by personal conflict with Malema but rather by his belief in the MK Party as a vehicle for uniting progressive forces. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the MK Party, declaring that 2025 will be a year of collective, disciplined action that will demonstrate the party’s potential as a true unifier in South Africa’s political landscape.
Adding another layer to the complex dynamics within South African politics, Zuma-Sambudla and Malema continue to maintain a close relationship. The two have been seen frequently together in public, often posing for photographs and engaging in friendly interactions. This closeness raises questions about the evolving power structures within the MK Party and its relationship with the EFF, as political alliances shift and reshape in unpredictable ways.
The drama surrounding the MK Party and its internal politics has also been mirrored in the legal and political battles of party leader Jacob Zuma. Recently, the EFF filed a court application seeking remedial action in relation to Zuma’s involvement in two high-profile matters: the Public Protector’s report on Nkandla and the legal costs related to his attempt to withdraw his urgent application to interdict then-Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. These ongoing legal battles serve as a reminder of the volatile nature of South African politics, where alliances and conflicts can shift with little warning.
As the MK Party navigates its internal dynamics and prepares for the 2026 elections, all eyes will remain on the party’s leadership and how it handles these complex issues. Whether these leadership tensions signal deeper fractures within the party or are merely the result of external rumors remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in the world of South African politics, nothing is ever quite as it seems, and the next twist in this saga could be just around the corner.