The Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM) is preparing to host a local government summit after its leader, Floyd Shivambu, announced key leadership appointments and strongly criticised decisions by the Speaker of the National Assembly and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaking in a studio interview, Shivambu said National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza had no legitimate basis to decline a Section 102 motion of no confidence submitted by the African Transformation Movement (ATM). He recalled that during his time as a Member of Parliament, a sitting president faced more than 10 such motions from various parties, with one even leading to a secret ballot. Shivambu argued that the Speaker was acting opportunistically to protect the interests of the African National Congress (ANC), noting that Speakers serve as administrators of parliamentary processes rather than decision-makers. He suggested any court challenge would likely find the decision irrational, as the Constitution and parliamentary rules allow members to initiate no-confidence proceedings.
On the related Section 89 impeachment process concerning the Phala Phala matter, Shivambu described President Ramaphosa’s decision to litigate against the independent panel report — chaired by Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo — as “opportunistic and frivolous.” He noted the panel had stated that the President may have committed wrongdoing and violated the Constitution but made no conclusive findings, instead referring the matter to a parliamentary committee for further inquiry. Shivambu rejected arguments that alleged flaws in the report would undermine the process, pointing to Ramaphosa’s unsuccessful 2022 Constitutional Court approach and the Court’s view that the report warranted a proper process.
The leadership announcements centred on bolstering the movement’s readiness for local elections. Eric Gezani Nkobane (also known as Gezani Eric Kobane), popularly known as Papa Penny or Penny Penny, joined the movement and will lead its election campaign in the Greater Giyani local municipality. Shivambu highlighted severe service delivery failures in the area, including ongoing water crises (notably in Section F), sewage spilling onto roads, dilapidated infrastructure, and villages with minimal government presence. Papa Penny, a former councillor with over 10 years’ experience who fought municipal irregularities, recently resigned from Parliament and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). The appointment followed consultations with the Association of Traditional Leaders representing many wards in the municipality.
Other key appointments include:
- Dr Moselene Du Plessis appointed Deputy National Organiser. She heads a department at the University of Pretoria dealing with healthcare issues and supports the movement’s Mayibuye Medics initiative, which delivers primary healthcare in underserved communities, informal settlements, and villages.
- Themba Nzimande appointed head of mobilisation. A community activist, podcast host, and Ekurhuleni native, he is involved in school support, crime-fighting, and motivational work in disadvantaged areas.
- Precious Mthiyane elevated to head of membership. She previously served as the movement’s provincial secretary in Mpumalanga.
- Nweti Bila appointed head of business development.
- Blessing Ramoba, a mining engineer and former independent candidate in the 2024 national elections, appointed head of the Mayibuye Agricultural Support Programme. The programme seeks to aid black small-scale farmers with irrigation, water systems, seedlings, seeds, and off-take agreements with major retailers.
Shivambu described the appointees as grounded community leaders already active in their respective fields.
On developments in the MK Party, including recent suspensions, Shivambu said he pays no attention to internal matters there. “I do not believe MK belongs in the future. It will disappear with those that lead it,” he stated. He confirmed he is no longer a member of any other organisation and is fully focused on leading the Afrika Mayibuye Movement as its president. The movement aims to address community concerns and position itself as the vehicle for “total freedom and emancipation” for South Africans.
The local government summit forms part of broader organisational efforts ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
