Latest news with #UmkhontoWesizwe
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
MK Party urges South Africans to take to the streets in support of Mkhwanazi
JOHANNESBURG - The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party urges South Africans to show support for KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, by taking to the streets. Mkhwanazi has been the talk of the country over the past week following allegations he made about corruption within the top brass of the police service. The MK Party in Gauteng has been in Johannesburg to support him on Monday. READ: Gauteng MK Party wants police to explain reason behind province's high crime rates War chants and struggle songs echoed across the streets of the Johannesburg CBD as a group of about 300 MK supporters marched through them. Leading the pack were a group of elderly men and women in camouflage, which the MK Party says are actual Umkhonto Wesizwe veterans. The rest of the marchers were wearing custom-made MK t-shirts with the words "hands off Mkhwanazi" written in front of them. MK party Gauteng spokesperson Abel Tau says now is not the time to stand on the fence. 'If we don't stand up as citizens of this country now and take the opportunity to put a clear marker between us and those who are against society, it will never come again an opportunity like that.' Tau says the party is planning another march on Friday, where it will take its frustrations to the country's seat of power - the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Eyewitness News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Shivambu announces Mayibuye leadership committee comprising former MK Party members
JOHANNESBURG - Floyd Shivambu has announced the leadership committee of the Mayibuye consultation process, which includes a "substantial number" of former Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK)Party members. Among the former MK Party members are Patrick Sindane, Luther Lebelo, Menzi Magubane and the controversial Bishop Stephen Zondo. Last week, the former secretary general of the MK Party announced he would be establishing a committee to consult South Africans on whether there is a need for a new political party. ALSO READ:NFloyd Shivambu: 'I don't beg for membership of political organisations' This came shortly after Shivambu fell out of favour with the MK Party, which demoted him to an ordinary member. At a media briefing in Midrand on Friday, Shivambu said the committee is dominated by former MK Party members disappointed with the organisation's "current configuration". 'A substantial number comes from former members and leaders of the MK Party because of the correct observation that in its current configuration, the majority of MK members, including those that remain there, are not pleased with the manner in which the organisation is run.'
IOL News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Floyd Shivambu's consultative process: A potential game-changer for South African politics
MK Party former secretary general Floyd Shivambu's consultative process could reshape South Africa's political landscape Image: Picture: File image In a move that could significantly reshape the South African political landscape, analysts have warned that Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu could disrupt other political parties as he embarks on a consultative process with the potential to form a new party. The initiative, set to unfold over the coming weeks, aims to engage various political leaders, grassroots activists, and disgruntled constituents. However, many analysts believe this move will challenge the stability of existing parties and potentially pave the way for new political formations. The announcement came on Thursday, shortly after Shivambu was demoted following a tumultuous six-month stint in the party's leadership as the secretary general. Shivambu's demotion was publicly confirmed earlier this month after a controversial private visit to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. The MK party condemned the visit, claiming it was unauthorised and that Shivambu's actions risked damaging the party's image. Shivambu, however, dismissed these allegations, asserting he was dismissed for raising concerns about the embezzlement of R7 million by senior leaders close to former President Jacob Zuma - allegations the MK party has not responded to. Analysts have said this move to consult broadly signals Shivambu's intent to reposition himself within South Africa's political arena, potentially as the architect of a new political force or as a catalyst for realignment within existing structures. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Independent political analyst Joe Mhlanga weighed in on the implications of Shivambu's consultation process, suggesting that it signals a new wave of party realignments. 'If we look back into history, we see that the formation of new parties often results from splinters or breakaways,' Mhlanga explained. 'The ANC, for example, has birthed many parties over the years - the EFF, UDM, MK party, and others. Most recently, even within the MK party, we're witnessing attempts at reorganisation and new formations.' Mhlanga stated that Shivambu's outreach will likely target dissatisfied members within current parties, including those who feel betrayed or disillusioned with their leadership. 'He'll be consulting people who are already constituents of other parties, those unhappy with current leadership or policies, and those who believe that a new party could bring meaningful change,' he said. Mhlanga further warned that this process could trigger significant upheaval within South Africa's political landscape. 'This will disrupt leadership structures, create defections, and foster chaos. There will be betrayals, party splits, and intense public exchanges. 'As the 2026 local government elections approach, expect a wave of political realignments, with many candidates crossing party lines or forming new alliances.' He added that the period leading up to the elections will likely be marked by heightened political activity, media scrutiny, and perhaps even controversy or public outbursts. 'Constituents should anticipate visits from leaders attempting to sway their support. This is the nature of politics - dynamic, unpredictable, and often disruptive,' Mhlanga noted. South African political parties are bracing for a turbulent period as they prepare for the 2026 local government elections.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'You did not stand up for white farmers': Steenhuisen under fire for comments during Ramaphosa, Trump White House briefing
The South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa with the US delegation and President Donald Trump at the White House Image: GCIS Agriculture Minister and Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is facing scrutiny for comments made during the highly-anticipated meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Many took to social media following Steenhuisen's comments, accusing him of failing to protect farmers and calling him a 'flip flop' Facing a barrage of questions and unfounded claims about a white genocide in South Africa, "supported" by a montage of videos of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema talking about land expropriation and singing "Kill the Boer", Ramaphosa turned to Steenhuisen in the hopes that he could help clarify the issue to Trump. Steenhuisen conceded that SA had a rural safety problem that needed to be addressed; however, the majority of SA's commercial and smallholding farmers "really" did want to stay in SA. Steenhuisen said, along with his colleagues in the Police and Justice clusters, he wants to start prioritising farm attacks and stock theft. "It affects all farmers in SA, particularly stock theft that has a disproportionate effect on black farmers," he said. Taking to social media following the briefing, Steenhuisen explained that the DA joined the Government of National Unity (GNU) to protect SA from violent anti-constitutionalists. "Along with the security cluster and our US partners, my department is committed to winning the fight against farm murders," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During my engagement with President Trump in the Oval Office, I outlined that the DA joined the GNU to protect SA from violent anti-constitutionalists. Along with the security cluster and our US partners, my department is committed to winning the fight against farm murders. 🇿🇦 — John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) May 21, 2025 However, there are those who believed Steenhuisen failed to protect farmers in SA. Taking to social media, some believed Steenhuisen could have taken a leaf from business mogul Johann Rupert's book. When given the opportunity to speak, Rupert appealed to Trump for assistance in addressing South Africa's rising crime rate, saying the issue of violent crime extends beyond white Afrikaner farmers and affects citizens across the country. Rupert further raised the issue of violence on the Cape Flats. Reaction @RickBothma: "You did not stand up for white farmers." @Freshermoon2: "Don't come back" @NativeSettler1: "You lost alot of voters today" @aynrandfontein: "You allowed the ANC to use you as a prop." @danielle_v73623: "You have ruined the legacy of Zille and the DA. You will never be supported again. You're a traitor and a coward." I wish DA can fire you. Johan exposed you and your Party — NL_Sesh🇿🇦 (@Sesh_NL) May 21, 2025 No one believes you anymore. I am very disappointed that I voted DA. I will never make that mistake again. Where is your backbone? — Michael Rossi (@Michael_silvfx) May 21, 2025 Ntate Rupert dealt with that @JohnSteffensen who had the platform to deny the genocide lies and instead tried to score cheap points for the @Our_DA . Never thought I would say this , but have so much new respect for Rupert. Not your spineless John! — Sir. TeeKay (@tokollom) May 21, 2025 IOL
Eyewitness News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
MK Party moves motion to censure Godongwana for his mishandling of the budget process
CAPE TOWN - The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party moved a motion to censure Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana for what it says is his mishandling of the budget process. The party said that it has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, saying it has noted the unprecedented postponement of the tabling of the budget, describing it as an 'abysmal delay'. READ: MK Party distances itself from Parliament's adoption of 2025 budget framework The party's motion comes less than a week before Godongwana is meant to table the third budget at the Cape Town International Convention on Wednesday, after months of disagreement over the now-abandoned VAT increase. The MK Party initially moved a motion of no confidence against Godongwana, but this was bound to fail because such a motion can only be moved against the president and not an individual minister. The party submitted a motion to censure Godongwana, saying the budget delay not only disrupted the legislative calendar but also created uncertainty within the economy. A motion of censure is a formal statement of disapproval against a member and is also a way to publicly reprimand a public representative. Party Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said, "We've written to the speaker of the house as Mkhonto Wesizwe and we have noticed and noted the unprecedented postponement of the tabling of the national budget." Ndhlela said that the motion to censure the minister serves not only as a call for accountability, but also to protect democratic and constitutional processes.
