‘No mistake,’ says Shivambu as he defends Zondo’s role

Shivambu

Cape Town – Former MK Party deputy secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has launched the Mayibuye Consultation Process, a new political initiative aimed at engaging South Africans on whether to form a new political party.

He will serve as national convener of both the Mayibuye National Consultation Team and the Consultation Process.

According to IOL, key figures in the leadership include:

  • Former MK Party members Patrick Sindane, Luther Lebelo, and Menzi Magubane

  • Former EFF members Vusi Khoza and Fana Mokoena

  • Former ANC member Lazola Ndamase

  • Controversial Bishop Stephen Zondo

  • Veteran broadcaster Sydney Baloyi

Shivambu said the group would conduct public consultations followed by a national convention.

“Then we will prepare – if the mandate is that we must contest the 2026 local government elections and the 2029 general elections, we’re going to do so and win those elections decisively,” the report quoted him as saying.

Shivambu defended appointing controversial pastor Zondo — currently on trial for alleged rape — as a chaplain in the Mayibuye Africa party consultation process, The Citizen reported.

“He has played multiple leadership roles in his community and even in the other organisations that we came from. He was coordinating a very large interreligious movement,” he said, according to the report.

Zondo’s role will involve moral guidance for the consultation process.

Shivambu dismissed criticism of his decision, insisting it wasn’t a mistake.

His association with Zondo follows his earlier visit to another controversial pastor, Shepherd Bushiri, which also drew scrutiny and led to his removal from the MK Party, the report said.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by