Floyd Shivambu, a well-known figure in South African politics, is once again making headlines. After a series of dramatic shifts in his political career over the past 18 months, he has launched the Mayibuye movement, focusing his energy on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as the 2026 local government elections approach. This development marks a significant moment not only for Shivambu himself but also for the political landscape in KZN and, more broadly, across South Africa.
The Fall and Rise of Floyd Shivambu
Shivambu’s political journey has rarely been smooth. From his high-profile role in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to his stint with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, his career has been marked by sudden changes and bold moves. In June 2025, he was removed as Secretary General of the MK Party, which is led by former president Jacob Zuma, and shortly afterward, he was expelled from the party entirely. Observers viewed these developments as a serious setback, but also as a possible opening for a new beginning.
Rather than fading from public view, Shivambu seized the moment. He launched the Mayibuye movement, taking on the role of national convenor and articulating a vision that goes beyond the limits of a traditional political party. His appeal, particularly in recent months, seems to stem from his resilience, his readiness to speak candidly about internal party politics, and his drive to present voters with a fresh alternative—especially for those disillusioned with existing political options.
The Mayibuye Vision: More Than a Party
One of the defining features of the Mayibuye initiative, according to Shivambu, is its status as a “movement” rather than a conventional political party. He stresses that the distinction is important: this is about activism, engagement, and building broad coalitions.
In his own words, Shivambu explained, “A political movement is different from a political party. They say let us respond to all the crises and the lack of activism in society. We want to form a movement that includes unions, civil society organizations, NGOs, community forums, and political parties that will contest elections from 2026 onwards.”
The core idea is to create a coalition that blends organized labor, civic groups, NGOs, and political parties. By doing so, Mayibuye aims to achieve both grassroots legitimacy and a wider influence, addressing what Shivambu describes as a “lack of activism in all of society.”
This philosophy has been evident in the movement’s consultative work in KZN. Rather than rushing to announce candidates, Shivambu engaged in extensive consultations with volunteers, traditional leaders, and local organizations across the province. These meetings were designed to listen to community concerns and incorporate them into the movement’s platform. By August 2025, Shivambu declared the KZN consultation phase complete, signaling that Mayibuye was ready to contest elections and translate its vision into action.
KZN: The Political Heartland
KwaZulu-Natal holds special significance for Shivambu. The province has been a stronghold of political activity for decades, with the ANC, IFP, DA, and even the MK Party holding varying levels of influence in different regions. It has historically been a battleground where new parties, especially those led by nationally recognized figures, can shake up local politics.
Shivambu understands both the opportunities and the challenges. In interviews, he acknowledged mistakes from the previous year and emphasized the importance of engaging directly with KZN residents. “The people of KwaZulu-Natal have been saying to us, please come to KwaZulu-Natal. We almost made a mistake last year; we want to correct that mistake,” he noted.
For Shivambu, KZN is not just a tactical electoral target; it’s a place to mobilize a wider movement. His presence there, he claims, is welcomed by communities seeking alternative leadership and a break from the status quo.
Challenges in a Crowded Field
Despite the opportunities, KZN is notoriously competitive. The political scene is crowded with established parties and small, community-based outfits that command local loyalty. The upcoming 2026 local elections are expected to intensify this competition, forcing newcomers to fight hard for recognition and support.
Shivambu’s strategy relies on two main pillars. First, he is actively working to formally register Mayibuye as a political party, with completion expected by September 2025. This will enable the movement to officially participate in elections. Second, his approach emphasizes uniting fragmented activist and community networks. By tapping into widespread dissatisfaction—whether over crime, unemployment, or outdated party loyalties—Shivambu hopes to create momentum for Mayibuye and encourage shifts in local political alliances.
From Local Focus to National Ambitions
Although the immediate focus is on KZN and the 2026 elections, Shivambu has made it clear that Mayibuye has national ambitions. He envisions the movement contesting elections in both 2026 and 2029, with the goal of building a lasting presence across South Africa.
“We are already registering the Afrika Mayibuye movement as a political party, which will contest elections in 2026, 2029, and beyond,” Shivambu said.
For supporters, this signals a commitment to long-term activism and systemic change. The early emphasis on grassroots engagement—through traditional leaders, civic forums, unions, and NGOs—demonstrates a calculated strategy to build credibility and capacity from the ground up, rather than imposing a top-down structure.
Implications for the 2026 Local Elections
The emergence of Mayibuye is already causing ripples among political analysts and voters. Its success in the 2026 local government elections will depend on several factors: the completion of party registration, the ability to overcome organizational weaknesses, and the translation of early goodwill into tangible electoral gains.
In a province as volatile as KZN, being a “movement” rather than a traditional party has pros and cons. On one hand, it allows Mayibuye to reach voters disillusioned with mainstream parties. On the other, the absence of a fully established party structure and competition from multiple local organizations could split the vote.
Yet, Mayibuye’s consultative approach may help it avoid some common pitfalls for new entrants. If Shivambu can successfully unify diverse groups under a shared agenda—without the baggage of prior party conflicts—the movement could emerge as a credible contender in local politics.
Conclusion
As of mid-2025, Floyd Shivambu is actively reinventing himself. The Mayibuye movement represents both continuity and change: continuity in his commitment to activism and social justice, and change in strategy, target audience, and approach.
Mayibuye’s performance in the 2026 local government elections remains uncertain. Success will hinge on local dynamics, organizational readiness, and how well its message resonates with voters. What is certain, however, is that Shivambu has succeeded in putting Mayibuye on the national map as an ambitious, broad-based experiment—one that blends coalition-building, mass consultations, and a desire to correct past mistakes.
Whether this effort leads to electoral breakthroughs or simply becomes another chapter in South Africa’s complex political history will unfold over the next year. For now, Mayibuye represents a bold attempt to challenge the political status quo and offer South Africans a fresh option at a critical moment in the nation’s political journey.