Shivambu’s new party sinks under resignations

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, the political party formed earlier this year by former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, is facing a destabilising internal crisis as a series of high profile resignations threaten its future and cast doubt on its organisational stability.

Founded in mid 2025 after Shivambu’s abrupt departure from the MK Party, the movement had positioned itself as a fresh leftist alternative rooted in worker politics. Shivambu, once a central figure in the EFF since its founding in 2013, resigned from the red berets in early 2024 following growing disagreements within its leadership.

He then attempted to re-establish his political influence in the MK Party but left months later, claiming the organisation lacked ideological coherence. By June 2025, he announced the formation of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, presenting it as his long-awaited political home.

However, just months into its existence, the new party is being rocked by resignations that have exposed deep leadership rifts and organisational weaknesses.

The most damaging blow came this week when deputy president Robert Nwedo resigned on 25 November 2025. His departure follows closely on the heels of the suspension and eventual dismissal of the party’s other deputy president, Nolubabalo Mcinga. The exits leave the movement without a second-in-command and highlight the growing instability within Shivambu’s leadership circle.

In his resignation letter, Nwedo stated: “I Robert Nwedo hereby render my resignation as Afrika Mayibuye Movement Deputy President… My focus is building an organization that is loyal to the workers and poor citizens in general under the MAWUSA banner.”

Nwedo, who had been in the position for only two months, characterised his decision as a shift back to labour activism — but his sudden exit has raised questions about the party’s internal cohesion.

His resignation was swiftly followed by two more from within the party’s provincial structures. Gauteng provincial organiser Xidohi Chauke resigned the same day, writing in his letter:

“I wish Mayibuye the best and hope the movement can be steered in the right direction for true total liberation.” Another member, Lucky Tumelo Malema, also announced his resignation, telling supporters he would “announce [his] new move very soon.”

The spate of resignations has plunged the movement into a deeper crisis and forced the postponement of its much-anticipated fundraising gala dinner, originally set for 28 November. Though the official statement attributed the delay to preparations for the party’s first national convention, insiders say Nwedo’s departure, including the collapse of a table reportedly worth R1.5 million, played a decisive role. The gala has been rescheduled for 13 December.

The leadership vacuum, combined with ongoing factional battles that previously led to Mcinga’s suspension, has sparked intense debate about whether the new party can survive its infancy. Critics have pointed out that the instability mirrors earlier patterns seen during Shivambu’s exits from both the EFF and the MK Party.

On social media, users mocked the party’s struggles, drawing parallels between its rapid decline and Shivambu’s history of political fallouts. One user wrote: “Floyd said the EFF was a sinking ship and jumped to start his own Titanic. Four months in and the rats are already diving overboard.”

Another added: “You cannot build your Rome on the wrong foundation and expect it to stand firm.” EWN on Friday reported that Shivambu said the resignation of its deputy president, Robert Nwedo, was “unexpected”.

As the Afrika Mayibuye Movement prepares for its first national convention in early December, the wave of resignations has left Shivambu facing a critical test of leadership. Whether the movement can stabilise itself or whether it continues to shed members may determine its future in South Africa’s shifting political landscape.