A faction within the uMkhonto weSizwe party, aligned with traditional leaders, is pushing for a leadership change that could have far-reaching implications, including the potential ousting of party secretary general Floyd Shivambu. This internal party revolt has been brewing for some time, with tensions running high between different factions within the party.
The faction aligned with traditional leaders is advocating for a shift in leadership to better reflect the interests of traditional communities and their leaders. They argue that the current leadership, including Shivambu, has not adequately represented the concerns and priorities of traditional leaders within the party.
This push for a leadership change comes at a crucial time, as the party gears up for the 2026 local government elections. The outcome of this leadership battle could have a significant impact on the party’s performance in the upcoming elections and its ability to attract support from traditional communities.
Key figures within the party, such as Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Mzwanele Manyi, are said to be backing the traditional leaders’ call for a leadership change. They believe that a new leadership team, more in tune with the needs of traditional communities, is essential for the party’s success in the future.
On the other hand, supporters of the current leadership, including Shivambu, are pushing back against the calls for change. They argue that the current leadership has been effective in advancing the party’s agenda and that a change in leadership could destabilize the party at a critical juncture.
The internal party revolt has also brought to the forefront issues surrounding financial governance within the party, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption being leveled against certain party officials. This has further fueled the calls for a leadership change, as traditional leaders seek to hold party officials accountable for their actions.
The Royal Council, a group representing traditional leaders within the party, has put forward a proposal for a new leadership structure that would better incorporate the interests of traditional communities. This proposal has garnered support from a significant portion of the party’s membership, adding momentum to the push for a leadership change.
As the party grapples with these internal divisions, the outcome of the leadership battle remains uncertain. The traditional leaders’ call for change has sparked a broader debate within the party about its direction and priorities, highlighting the challenges of balancing competing interests within a political organization.
Overall, the internal party revolt within uMkhonto weSizwe underscores the complex dynamics at play within the party and the broader political landscape. The outcome of this leadership battle will not only shape the party’s future but also have implications for the broader political landscape in South Africa.
