UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu has hailed former President Jacob Zuma’s decision to form the MK Party as a defining moment in South Africa’s political history, emphasizing Zuma’s “boldness” and vision as a source of inspiration for his own political realignment.

Speaking during a gala dinner at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Reconciliation Day, Shivambu applauded Zuma’s courage in breaking away from the African National Congress (ANC), where he served for over six decades.

“None of us could believe that President Zuma would take such a bold decision to start an organization, leaving behind one he served for more than 60 years. That was one of the boldest actions, and it is why some of us didn’t hesitate to leave a 10-year-old organization.”
Floyd Shivambu

Shivambu’s departure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a party he co-founded with Julius Malema in 2013, became official earlier this year. During his remarks, he suggested that Zuma’s split with the ANC in December 2023 offered a clear example for leaders willing to embrace “a just and revolutionary cause.”

“We saw that for the right reasons, sacrifices must be made,” Shivambu added. “That is the courage President Zuma showed us.”

The gala dinner, which followed a major celebration of the party’s one-year milestone, highlighted the MK Party’s swift rise as a major political force. Shivambu pointed to the party’s performance in the May 29 elections, where it secured over two million votes, catapulting it into third place nationally.

“Let us thank the voters of South Africa, especially here in KwaZulu-Natal, for their confidence in the MK Party. Within just six months, we have achieved what many thought impossible.”
Floyd Shivambu

He went on to underscore the MK Party’s unique standing, noting that it is one of only two “black political parties” in South Africa with millions of supporters.

“The MK Party and the outgoing ruling party [ANC] are the only political organizations that can claim this level of support. This is a clear sign of the voters’ trust in our vision for a better South Africa.”
Floyd Shivambu

Shivambu’s remarks come as tensions between Zuma and the ANC continue to simmer. Zuma’s expulsion from the ANC in November, following a disciplinary ruling that found him guilty of “prejudicing the party’s reputation” by forming the MK Party, marked a significant chapter in the rift.

Zuma has since doubled down on his efforts to establish the MK Party as a dominant alternative, particularly in his political stronghold of KwaZulu-Natal.

Zuma’s Influence Remains Unshaken

Despite his expulsion, Zuma’s popularity appears unwavering. Shivambu highlighted the former president’s enduring influence as a key factor behind the MK Party’s success.

“President Zuma has shown us that leadership requires courage, even when it means going against the tide. He has committed himself to a new path that resonates with millions of South Africans,” Shivambu said.

Zuma’s legacy continues to loom large, with the MK Party positioning itself as both a break from the ANC and a torchbearer of its foundational values. Shivambu echoed this sentiment, framing the MK Party as a movement for genuine change rooted in Zuma’s bold leadership.

“We are here because of President Zuma’s vision. His bold step has given all of us the courage to build something new,” he concluded, to applause from supporters.

The rapid ascent of the MK Party signals a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape. With Zuma’s influence and Shivambu’s strategic leadership, the party has successfully tapped into public discontent and regional loyalty, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, to present a formidable challenge to the ANC.