The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, led by Floyd Shivambu, has concluded its inaugural national convention, positioning itself as a new force to replace the African National Congress. Shivambu criticized the ANC for corruption and loss of direction. The movement aims to win outright in next year's local elections.
At the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement held its first national convention, attended by delegates from all 54 districts across South Africa. The gathering resulted in the adoption of founding documents, policies, and commission reports, marking a formal launch for the group.
Leader Floyd Shivambu declared the movement's intent to fill the ideological and moral gap left by the ANC, which he described as engulfed in corruption with no path to recovery. "There is no space for the ANC in the future, and we have to have a separate and different political movement with different values," Shivambu stated. He emphasized that even younger ANC leaders have been drawn into corrupt practices, underscoring the need for a fresh start centered on dignity, service, and community action.
Looking ahead, the movement plans to contest next year's local government elections with the goal of securing an outright majority. Shivambu clarified their stance: "Look, we are not postulating any coalition, we are going to contest elections to win outright. So that is our approach, that when we contest elections, we contest to win." Should no clear winner emerge, they remain open to constructive discussions to form stable governance.
Shivambu reinforced the party's mandate in a social media post: "The mandate is Total Freedom and Emancipation Now! We know what we are doing! Mayibuye iAfrika!" This launch signals a bold challenge to the established political landscape as South Africa approaches key electoral battles.