THE uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has dismissed rumours that Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu was leaving the party following his controversial visit to Malawi over the Easter weekend.
Shivambu, the EFF former deputy president, drew backlash after he was seen attending a service at the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, led by self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.
Following his now controversial visit, Shibambu’s opponents in the MKP, the organisation led by former president Jacob Zuma, were now baying for his blood.
An MKP insider said: “We can't have an SG (secretary-general), who wines and dines with fugitives of justice. We want our president (Zuma) to discipline Shivambu so that this does not create unnecessary tension within our party.”
In a widely circulated video, Shivambu praised Bushiri’s work, calling it "unparalleled" in uplifting communities across Africa.
The visit drew sharp criticism, including from the Ministry of Justice, which accused Shivambu of undermining South Africa's legal system.
Bushiri fled the country while facing serious charges, including rape and fraud.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned Shivambu's actions as “a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system.”
The MK Party quickly distanced itself from the visit, issuing a statement that Shivambu acted in his personal capacity and without the knowledge or approval of the party or its leadership, including former president Jacob Zuma.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed on Monday that Shivambu remains in his role. “The Secretary-General has not left the party,” Ndhlela told the Daily News, dismissing speculation of an internal purge.
The controversy has heightened growing internal divisions within the MK Party, particularly between Shivambu and factions aligned with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Their tensions have played out on social media previously, where Zuma-Sambudla publicly criticised Shivambu before later issuing an apology.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe suggested the party may still consider disciplinary action. “Even if Shivambu visited in a personal capacity, as Secretary-General he represents the MK Party. I believe the leadership will take this seriously,” he said.
In a statement, the Justice Minister Kubayi said minister said Bushiris’ unlawful departure from South Africa constituted a direct violation of his bail conditions.
"Shivambu’s conduct, his association with Mr Bushiri is a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system. Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability,” said the ministry in a statement.
It added: "No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives.
Despite calls for accountability, the Forum for South Africa (FOSA) accused Minister Kubayi of politicising the matter and unfairly targeting Shivambu.
Shivambu has not publicly responded to the criticism, but in a post on X (formerly Twitter), he thanked Bushiri for hosting him and reiterated his admiration for the pastor’s pan-African vision.
South African gospel icon Rebecca Malope also performed at the event.
As tensions simmered, all eyes were on the MKP leadership to see whether the incident would escalate into a formal disciplinary process or mark yet another flashpoint in the party’s ongoing internal power struggles.
Shivambu could not be reached for comment as his phone rang to voicemail.
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