Afrika Mayibuye Movement
1Min
South Africa
Dec 4, 2025
As the Afrika Mayibuye Movement prepares for the much-anticipated national convention, the challenges of leadership restructuring and recent resignations loom large, raising questions about the party's future direction and unity in pursuit of its liberation mission.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, under the leadership of Floyd Shivambu, has unveiled significant changes to its top leadership structure, just days before its highly anticipated national convention.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the University of Johannesburg Campus on Wednesday, where Shivambu emphasised the need for a thorough review of the movement’s leadership in light of several recent high-profile resignations.
With the national convention set to take place from Friday, December 5, to Sunday, December 7, at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto campus, Shivambu revealed that he is optimistic that the reconfigured leadership will steer the party towards its goal of total liberation for the African people.
"We convene this presser in Soweto, Johannesburg—a cradle of resistance in pursuit of freedom: We are here to reaffirm our commitment to total Emancipation of the African people."
Among the newly appointed leadership are Thato Ralokgokgodi as 1st Deputy President, Nomusa Sibisi-kama-Shobane as 2nd Deputy President, and Sphephile Cyprian Mhlaba as 3rd Deputy President. Additionally, Lazola Ndamase has been named Secretary General, with Mzwandile Goge and Nosipho Makamba stepping into the roles of 1st and 2nd Deputy Secretary General, respectively.
Furthermore, Mmabatho Mokaouse will serve as Chairperson, and Siphiwe Mkhatshwa has been appointed Deputy National Chairperson, while Simelane takes on the role of National Organiser.
These changes come on the heels of a significant exodus from the party, notably the resignation of former 1st Deputy President Robert Nwendo, along with two Deputy Secretaries. Shivambu has pointedly accused some departing leaders of being incompetent and expressed concern that their resignations aimed at creating an unstable perception of the party's situation ahead of its convention.
"Some of these people opportunistically resigned to create a public perception that the organisation is in a crisis as people started jumping off when we were removing them.“The resignations of the officials are because of incompetent people who were unable to do organisational work," he added.
Last week, in his resignation letter, Nwedo revealed that part of the reason for his departure was to focus on his trade union, the Maanda Ashu Workers Union of South Africa (MAWUSA).
"I would like to appreciate and thank the learning and experience gained through my involvement in building Mayibuye. Now my focus will be on building an organisation that is loyal to the workers and poor citizens in general under the MAWUSA banner. I wish Mayibuye the best and wish the movement can be steered in the right direction for true total liberation and emancipation of the people," he stated.
As the movement gears up for its crucial convention, Shivambu reaffirmed the party's commitment to clean governance and its founding document as guiding principles, adding that the latest shifts in leadership represent a strategic maneuver aimed not only at maintaining stability but also at bolstering the resolve of the party as it continues its mission to advocate for African liberation. He further expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating that they embody the spirit and guiding principles of the movement.
