By Palesa Matlala
- Shivambu says leadership changes were planned and necessary, not a sign of a party in crisis.
- The movement unveiled a full new leadership team ahead of its first national convention this week.
Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu has rubbished claims of a leadership crisis in the newly formed political party.
Speaking ahead of the movement’s first national convention this week, Shivambu said recent resignations were not a sign of collapse, but part of a necessary leadership overhaul.
“Many of those who resigned were actually fired for incompetence,” he said at a media briefing held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus.
Shivambu said the movement recently completed a leadership review and concluded that big changes were needed to strengthen the organisation.
“They opportunistically resigned to create the public perception that the organisation is in crisis,” he said. “But in reality, we were removing them.”
He said the new leadership reflects the values and principles of the party and insisted that Afrika Mayibuye remains stable.
“We are confident in the capabilities of the reconfigured leadership. All the new leaders embody the spirit and objectives of the movement,” said Shivambu.
Afrika Mayibuye only transitioned into a political party three months ago. Since then, it has faced multiple high-profile exits that sparked questions about its internal stability.
Shivambu, who is the former deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters and a former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, said the party is focused on moving forward.
The newly appointed leadership includes:
- Thato Ralokgokgodi as first deputy president
- Nomusa Sibisi-kama-Shobane as second deputy president
- Sphephile Cyprian Mhlaba as third deputy president
- Lazola Ndamase as secretary-general
- Mzwandile Goge as first deputy secretary-general
- Nosipho Makamba as second deputy secretary-general
- Mmabatho Mokaouse as national chairperson
Despite the shake-up and resignations, Shivambu insisted the party is united and ready to continue growing.
Pictured above: Floyd Shivambu speaks during a media briefing at UJ Soweto campus
Image source: Supplied
