By Johnathan Paoli
Floyd Shivambu has been rewarded for helping build the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and bringing over senior members from the Economic Freedom Fighters by being appointed as secretary general of South Africa’s third largest party.
The MK Party confirmed on Sunday that the former EFF deputy president had replaced Sifiso Maseko.
MK presidency head Magasela Mzobe said that Shivambu’s appointment followed Maseko’s request to be relieved from his position last month.
“The president expresses full confidence in secretary general Nyiko Floyd Shivambu and the entire leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe Party,” Mzobe said in a statement.
He said that Maseko was expected to continue his work as chief director in the Gauteng health department following an internal disciplinary process, which has been concluded.
Mzobe said that despite his resignation, Maseko would retain his responsibilities as a member of the national high command, the highest decision-making body in the party.
Shivambu is expected to assume all the functions and tasks of his new position within the party.
His appointment followed MK president Jacob Zuma consulting the party’s national officials.
Shivambu was the national organiser of the party. His replacement will be announced at a later stage.
The secretary general is the second most powerful position in the party. The appointment is a public acknowledgement that Zuma trusts Shivambu.
It also sets Shivambu up for the presidency of the party once Zuma retires.
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