Are we witnessing the downfall of Shivambu in MKP?

EWN political reporter Tshidi Madia (in for 702's Clement Manyathela) is joined by political analyst Lukhona Mnguni.

Listen below:

Less than a year after leaving the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party he co-founded and taking up membership with Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu has been deployed to Parliament.

The party announced Shivambu would no longer hold the position of Secretary-General, due to his recent visit to the church of controversial prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.

The MK party deemed this action a violation of its constitution, specifically citing the undertaking of international trips and participation in activities opposed to the party's agenda without official sanction.

Shivambu, who was appointed Secretary-General in November, says he accepts the decision and has expressed regret over his actions.

RELATED: Was it personal or political? Analyst unpacks Shivambu's EFF exit to MK party

"This is another occurrence of musical chairs within the MK party, which has come to characterise the party."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst

But Mnguni suggests the move to Parliament was not solely based on Shivambu's ill-advised trip to Malawi.

"Beside the trip to Malawi, even within the rank and file of the MKP, there have been some murmurs within the party of dissatisfaction with the conduct and leadership of Floyd Shivambu."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst

"The point really, is that the trip may have been an opportune moment to make the necessary changes, with a justifiable act within the party."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst

Strategic or not, Mnguni says Shivambu's deployment to Parliament could serve to quiet criticism around the MK Party having been a weak opposition so far.

"Remember that Floyd Shivambu used to be the star debater for the EFF in Parliament."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst

"I do think that if Floyd takes that kind of posture... it will strengthen the Parliamentary bench."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst

RELATED: MK Party announces EFF defector Floyd Shivambu as national organiser

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