Floyd Shivambu promoted to MK Party secretary-general

JOHANNESBURG - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has appointed Floyd Shivambu as its new secretary-general. 

Shivambu takes over the reins from Dr Sifiso Maseko, who resigned from the position earlier this week. 

Maseko returned to his job in the Gauteng Department of Health - which he had been suspended from in 2022 pending a corruption investigation. 

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In a statement issued on Sunday morning, the MK Party says Shivambu is a suitably qualified candidate to lead its political agenda as its secretary-general.

Shivambu joined the MK Party about three months ago from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

SHIVAMBU'S APPOINTMENT GETS BLESSING FROM ZUMA

The MK Party said the appointment of Shivambu as the new secretary-general received the full backing of its leader, Jacob Zuma, and the national leadership.

The newly drafted MK constitution concentrates a lot of power towards its leader Zuma - who has the authority to hire and fire anyone in its executive.

MK Party's head of presidency Magasela Mzobe said Zuma consulted national officials before appointing Shivambu.

"President Zuma is confident that comrade Floyd will be able to build structures and execute the mandate of the office as demanded by the constitution,” explained Mzobe.

Mzobe said the party is still looking to see who will fill Shivambu’s old position of national organiser.