The newly formed Afrika Mayibuye movement concluded its first national convention this weekend with a bold declaration: it aims to replace the African National Congress (ANC) as the nation’s leading political force. The three-day gathering, held in Soweto, was marked by its aspirational messaging alongside internal controversies and logistical hurdles.
Party leader Floyd Shivambu delivered a closing address to over 1,000 delegates, framing his organization as the necessary heir to a fading liberation movement. “I don’t see the ANC in the future,” Shivambu stated. “There is no ANC in the future… And there must never be a vacuum. That is why Afrika Mayibuye movement becomes the necessary replacement of a dead liberation movement, of a directionless liberation movement.”
Shivambu outlined a vision for a “21st century liberation movement” defined by principles of “accountability, openness, [and] meritocracy.”
However, the path to the convention was not smooth. The event began with delays and chaos, reflecting deeper issues within the fledgling party. It has been rocked by internal tensions, culminating barely a month ago in the suspension of its first deputy president, Nolubabalo Mcinga. The party accused Mcinga of misconduct, including holding an unauthorized meeting with MK Party leader Jacob Zuma.
Financial challenges also surfaced. Delegates were required to pay between R500 and R1,000 each to attend the convention—a measure Shivambu defended. “Those who think that at these formative stages there’s going to be salaries and convoys of cars to drive them around… you are in a wrong organization,” he said.
Following deliberations, the convention concluded that widespread distrust in politicians and parties is a central issue in South African politics. Party analysts pointed to the low voter turnout in the last national elections, where only 16 million of 42 million eligible voters cast ballots, as evidence of this disillusionment.
To gain traction, Afrika Mayibuye acknowledges it must convince the electorate it will not repeat the mistakes of existing parties. As a next step, the movement announced plans for an election workshop to refine its strategy ahead of the upcoming municipal polls.