Power struggles and promises: Mayibuye to speak out

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement will hold a press conference in Midrand on Wednesday to announce what it calls a defining moment in its political journey. The event comes after recent internal scandals and leadership tensions that have tested the party’s unity and credibility.

The newly formed Afrika Mayibuye Movement, led by former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MK Party member Floyd Shivambu, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, at a luxury boutique hotel in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.

The briefing comes in the wake of a dramatic leadership shake-up following the dismissal of the party’s first deputy president, Nolubabalo Mcinga, with immediate effect over allegations of misconduct a few weeks ago.

According to the party, Mcinga’s removal was a result of actions that undermined the integrity and stability of the organisation. Insiders said she was accused of bringing the party into disrepute, violating internal processes, and engaging in behaviour inconsistent with the Movement’s founding principles of discipline and accountability.

The leadership reportedly acted after a series of internal complaints about Mcinga’s alleged misuse of party platforms and her involvement in unauthorised public statements that contradicted official positions.

National Spokesperson Sydney Baloyi said the decision to remove Mcinga was not taken lightly but was necessary to preserve the Movement’s integrity and focus. “The leadership remains resolute in ensuring that no individual, regardless of rank, acts outside the collective mandate of the organisation,” Baloyi said. He added that the press conference will provide clarity on the dismissal and outline the next steps for stabilising the leadership structure.

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement was founded in early 2025 after Shivambu was fired from the MK Party, just months after leaving the EFF in 2024. Shivambu’s exit from the EFF followed public clashes with its leadership, which he described as authoritarian and cult-like. After his expulsion from the MK Party, Shivambu announced the creation of Afrika Mayibuye, positioning it as a fresh political home for those seeking ideological purity, accountability, and economic justice.

Despite being a new entrant in South African politics, the Movement has already attracted attention due to Shivambu’s political profile and outspoken leadership style. The recent firing of Mcinga has, however, exposed early fractures within the party’s top ranks.

Wednesday’s press conference is expected to be one of the Movement’s most significant public engagements yet. Shivambu is likely to use the platform to address the internal rift, announce key leadership changes, and outline the Movement’s strategy going forward.