Not so long ago, political parties had an array of young people who would have surely become the next generation of South African political leaders.
In the then ruling party, the ANC, Malusi Gigaba, Julius Malema, Fikile Mbalula and Ronald Lamola were some of the names touted to take over the reins from the elders in the ANC.
In the DA, the choice was limitless. The likes of Lindiwe Mazibuko, Mbali Ntuli, Phumzile van Damme and Makashule Gana were at the forefront as the party rose from being a white party to claim a voice in the black and coloured communities.
These individuals and many more were thought to be South Africa’s future. An elite club of politicians who had risen in the ranks, taking and confidently assuming space in a difficult terrain populated by elders and struggle stalwarts.
The recent announcement by the MK Party has shed light on the dwindling number of capable young leaders who can take the country to the next frontier.
While it is undisputed Shivambu messed up, questions remain about whether the infraction warranted his demotion or if it was simply an opportunity to get rid of an inconvenient, arrogant SG.
On Tuesday, the MK Party announced it was ousting its secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, from his position, redeploying him to the backbenches of parliament. Shivambu's trip to Malawi where he appeared to engage with Shepherd Bushiri, a fugitive from justice in SA, proved a dealbreaker for the party. While it is undisputed Shivambu messed up, questions remain about whether the infraction warranted his demotion or if it was simply an opportunity to get rid of an inconvenient, arrogant SG.
Not too long ago, Shivambu crossed swords with Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, Jacob Zuma's daughter, who used profanities against him on social media. Promises of disciplinary action against her have come to nought. But the demotion means Shivambu must make do with the backbenches.
As one of the two founding members of the EFF, Shivambu’s role in the political landscape is undeniable. But all is not lost for Shivambu.
Holding the position of the official opposition in parliament has always been a great responsibility. Throughout the years the ANC had been in power, with its executive holding the reins in government, South Africans relied heavily on the role the DA played in parliament, not only to hold the government’s elite accountable but also to unearth and bring attention to the many irregularities which would have gone unnoticed.
As a member of the official position, Shivambu has a chance to take over from the DA and showcase his genius to help his party become an effective opposition.
This role is not foreign to him. Until August last year, Shivambu was the chief whip of the EFF. He was able to outshine his peers in parliament by leading a team of young EFF leaders during the Zuma years in what was without question the most effective era of the EFF in parliament. During this time, the EFF dominated the news agenda, playing a supporting position to the DA.
If there is one thing we have come to learn with the MK Party is that no-one is indispensable. But Shivambu faces an uphill battle with John Hlope, Zuma-Sambudla and Colleen Makhubela as the leaders in parliament.
What Shivambu must surely learn now is humility. At a time when the country is searching for the next generation of leaders, the pool of options seems to be diminishing.
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