Former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has delivered a brutal characterisation of the options available to the black electorate in South Africa's political landscape, saying there is no viable option.
The ANC, EFF and MK Party were not spared from his sharp tongue, as he dished out criticism on all fronts.
This follows his demotion as the MK Party’s secretary-general two weeks ago — a decision which made him consider his next political move.
“Since my removal as secretary-general, ordinary South Africans have asked what will I do moving forward. A substantial number said, 'don’t ever try to join the ANC,' and I fully agree with them. We will never do that, it is directionless, and in collaboration with the white system now,” he said, taking a swipe at the ANC whose disastrous performance at the polls saw them form a government of national unity with the DA, among others.
Shivambu was suspended from the ANC over a decade ago, around the same time as Julius Malema’s expulsion, an exodus which later birthed the EFF.
“Some said, 'don’t ever join or rejoin EFF because it is a cult,' and I agree with them. There is no space for sound, ideological reasoning. No self-respecting person can join both the ANC and the EFF,” he said.
Though wounded by his ousting, Shivambu insisted he would mask the true characterisation of the MK Party and would not abuse the privilege of the intimate knowledge he had access to during his tenure.
“There are those who say that there are fundamental weaknesses with the MKP, that the organisation seems to be run by a family and is inconsistent on issues of discipline, is directionless and sometimes takes conservative and reactionary decisions. I said a part of the reason we joined MKP is that we could observe from afar that we can’t allow in South Africa that an organisation can become tribalist and a regional organisation, with such influence.
“Instead of throwing insults at the MKP, we decided to play a role in contributing to its ideological character, politics and direction. Which we did successfully.”
He believes his downfall in the party is largely due to Zuma being surrounded by opportunists who misuse their proximity to him to destabilise the party.
“The president, whom I dearly and so deeply respect, is surrounded by political scoundrels who opportunistically use his kindness and gullibility that comes with age to write fake intelligence reports and influence him towards wrong directions.”
I couldn’t say certain things, as national organiser and secretary-general. But now I can make open observations about what is happening politically. Perhaps now, without a position, my voice will be more amplified in terms of how we push for the agenda of the return of our land
— Floyd Shivambu, former MK Party secretary-general
Shivambu made scathing allegations of monetary irregularities and theft in the party, a scandal which could see it deregistered by the electoral commission.
“They do that because they want to steal the money of MKP, and they are doing so now. They are making withdrawals of no less than R7m a month from the organisational coffers. We raised it internally to stop what they are doing because you are going to get the party deregistered because there is no sound reason why this has been happening.”
Responding to critics who questioned why he is only blowing the whistle now, Shivambu said his previous leadership positions prevented him from being candid about his experiences.
“I don’t need to be a president or secretary-general to have a voice, in fact my voice is much clearer when I speak without any position or responsibility. You’ve never heard me speak because I respected the position of deputy president.
“I couldn’t say certain things, as national organiser and secretary-general. But now I can make open observations about what is happening politically. Perhaps now, without a position, my voice will be more amplified in terms of how we push for the agenda of the return of our land.”
Despite the inner wrangling, Shivambu said he remained grateful for the opportunity of having been brought in to work alongside Zuma.
“How do you replace an opportunity to learn in six months what you could not learn in years? This is practical experience which you could never read in any textbook. I knew from day one that we are about to start a journey of deep learning and understanding of the dynamics of South African politics.”
He said he lwould not fall into the trap of creating a solo political act.
“I am not starting a solo political project. This is not a matter of a music band, like Brenda Fassie and the black dudes. That if Brenda Fassie is not there, then the black dudes cannot operate. A political party cannot have that character.
“We have got political parties in this country which are like that. There must be an organisation that exists in every corner of South Africa, whether there is a Floyd or not, whoever is there must be an expression of the collective ideals of the political party.”
In the same breath, Shivambu insisted his consultations did not seek to divide black political parties.
“We are not dividing black political parties. We are listening to people and they will tell us. If the majority genuinely say there is no need, we will humbly listen to that and take advice from that point of view.
“The ultimate agenda for all progressive black political parties is that they have to unite behind a common vision and agenda. If you were to isolate black people, whether they come from a black consciousness political view, or Pan Africanist, or economic freedom in our lifetime, Charterists, those who believe in the MK — and ask, just what do we need as the priority issues for what needs to be done for black people in this country, we are going to come out with the same things.
“The people of South Africa are not divided in terms of their aspirations and interests, they need jobs, stable and healthy environments, a society free of crime and corruption, land and access to quality education. But in terms of political aspirations we get to be divided.”
Shivambu accused the EFF and MK Party leaders of being surrounded by individuals who criticise them but lack the courage to confront them head on.
“Listen to EFF people and they will tell you about their own characterisation of the leader of that party, but they won’t tell him, they don’t have the courage. Same in MK. We can’t have a political culture like that. If we raise issues internally, we must not have to gossip about them anywhere. Even against all odds, even the untouchables. We must always protect principles and never tiptoe around anyone.”
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