Former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu said he was not in the business of pleasing egos in politics. Shivambu was indirectly hitting back at EFF leader Julius Malema. He said this at the MK Party press briefing held in Sandton today where Shivambu was announced as the party's National Organiser.
Floyd Shivambu was literally responding to Julius Malema here. ????
— m a s h è s h a ? (@_mashesha) August 22, 2024
MK Party Jacob Zuma pic.twitter.com/n9l5GFbLXW
NOT AN EGO PLEASER
Shivambu was speaking for the first time since he dumped the EFF over a week ago to join the MK Party. Answering questions at the briefing, Shivambu said, "Revolution is the content of what we are standing for; it's not betraying anyone. Some people say if it's me, you are betraying me; where does that enter. Not once do you suggest that I am betraying the revolution. We are not in the business of pleasing each other's egos here," he said. Impeached Judge John Hlophe, who has been appointed the party's deputy president, told journalists that no one, including Shivambu, has been deployed by MK to destroy EFF.
He said they are running an organisation with their own ideas and that Shivambu was an experienced politician who is sharp like a razor. "He will no doubt play an important role as far as MK is concerned going forward." Hlophe was not the only one who sang former EFF's second in command's praises. Former president Jacob Zuma said Shivambu's politics as scientific. "He is an honest politician with a clear political mind and takes decisions at the right time. Most people don't know that I have been following his politics since he was a small boy. He is a true politician and one of the few genuine politicians," Zuma added.
NATIONAL COMMAND TEAM
MK Secretary General, Sifiso Maseko, also announced the eight-member national high command of the party. "The MK Party will be led by the national high command, which will be the highest decision-making body comprising of eight officials. The leadership collective of the high command is president Jacob Zuma, deputy president Dr John Hlophe, SG Maseko, and the deputy secretary-general is Nombuso Mkhize. The national chair is none other than Nkosinathi Nhleko. The deputy national chairperson is Wilson Sibiloane. Our treasurer-general is Menzi Ngubane," he said.
DISGRUNTLES MEMBERS WANTS TO BE HEARD
Earlier today, expelled members of the party also held a press briefing two hours before MK's. Speaking for the disgruntled members, Thami Khuzwayo said that they refute the claims that have resigned as the members of the party. "We affirm that we remain members in good standing of the MK Party and hold deep respect for President Jacob Zuma and his vision for a just and better South Africa. To date, none of us has received any official expulsion letters from the party. We have not signed any resignation letters, and if such documents exist, we believe they may have been forged," he said. Khuzwayo said that they were informed by the Chief Whip Sihle Ngubane of their alleged expulsion, while resignations were reportedly submitted to the Secretary and the Speaker of Parliament without any direct communication with them. "This process is not only irregular but raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness. Our recent communication from Parliament stated that our membership as members of Parliament was terminated due to the loss of party membership," he said. Hlophe said that the party will not be commenting on the expelled members' issue as the case is in court and sub-judice.
