By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Floyd Shivambu has unconditionally retracted the statement of drug use and alcohol abuse by MK party’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
The retraction came shortly after Ndlela filed a R3 million defamation lawsuit against Shivambu at the Johannesburg High Court.
The summons was filed in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday. It relates to an interview broadcast on eNCA on June 23, during which Shivambu made several “false and defamatory statements” about Ndhlela.
Speaking during a consultation process on Friday, Shivambu retracted his statements made during the interview.He said that after consulting with the Mayibuye i Africa committee, he was advised to retract.
“When I uttered those statements, I was not yet the National Convener of the Mayibuye i Africa process at the time. Now, I have the benefit of being part of a leadership collective that provides guidance on how we should conduct ourselves, especially in handling sensitive matters.
“Under that guidance, we wish to unconditionally retract statements that were previously made regarding drug use and alcohol abuse. Those remarks were inappropriate and are hereby withdrawn without reservation.”
“However, we take this opportunity to encourage all South Africans to steer clear of drugs and alcohol—particularly those who serve as Members of Parliament or hold leadership positions in political parties. Substance abuse leads to poor decision-making and should be avoided at all costs.”
“Once again, we unconditionally retract the earlier statements, in line with the leadership guidance we have received, “he said.
Shivambu also announced he was starting a process to determine if he should launch a new political party, he held a media briefing to announce the names of the individuals who would assist.
They include former EFF MPs Vusi Khoza and Fana Mokoena and former MK party members Patrick Sindane, Menzi Magubane and Bishop Stephen Zondo. The names also included those of ordinary volunteers, union workers, religious leaders and former student leaders from across the country.
Shivambu announced last week that he will consult communities and groups to gauge whether he should launch his own political party to contest the 2026 local government elections.
His announcement came after his reported dismissal from the MK party, a mere 10 ten months after he joined it and was named as its secretary-general. However, Shivambu claimed last week that he is still a member of the MK party, which allows for dual membership.
Shivambu told journalists that this consultative process will include existing political parties and their members, claiming that members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), including the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) had talks with the consultative forum.
If other political parties are willing to listen to us, we will also talk to them to appraise them of the process that we are engaged in,” Shivambu said.
He claimed that more than “10 represented political parties that have approached us represented in different municipality councils […] said that they would want to form part of the Mayibuye consultation process, and these parties come from all corners of South Africa”.