Former MKP secretary-general Shivambu announces ‘consultations' to form new party
Former MK Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has announced the beginning of a process to form a new political outfit after he was accused of trying to overthrow former president Jacob Zuma.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Gauteng, on Thursday, Shivambu said: 'Over the next few months, we will be consulting all the traditional and church leaders... We will be seeking the wisdom of ordinary South Africans, including Michael Nkuna, Irvin Khoza, Patrice Motsepe... on the need to form a new political party. If yes, what should be the values of that political party and what should distinguish it from other political parties.'
However, Shivambu insisted he was not leaving his most recent party.
'I have not resigned from uMkhonto weSizwe. I will never resign from uMkhonto weSizwe,' he said.
Shivambu said any consultation process also needed to answer how a new political party should be funded.
'We do not want to do that as a personal project or a group of friends. We will be going to the ground to speak to the people. Next week, we are going to announce the leadership core of the consultations.'
During the briefing, Shivambu said he had been accused of trying to overthrow Zuma as MK Party leader.
He claimed that a 'bizarre and fake intelligence report' had been produced and that he was accused of having 'supernatural' powers to 'make people disappear'.
'There is nothing I can do privately that I will not accept publicly.'
Shivambu's latest move comes after a series of internal conflicts within the MKP.
Following a revolt by traditional leaders and a Mpumalanga faction, he was ousted as the party's sixth secretary-general.
The former EFF policy strongman was axed from the party after he visited Malawian fugitive Shepherd Bushiri's church over Easter, a move that was seen as straying from the party's official stance, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
Speculation had been rife that Shivambu was leaving the MKP after he called an unsanctioned media briefing on Wednesday.
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