R2 million to wine and dine with Floyd Shivambu

A debate has erupted over the cost of influence in South African politics, after Floyd Shivambu’s newly launched Afrika Mayibuye Movement announced a fundraising gala where a table with Shivambu costs R2 million.

The political organisation was launched on September 5, 2025, in Midrand by former MK Party Secretary General and EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who serves as its inaugural president.

The gala will be held on 28 November 2025 at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg. Tables seat up to 10 guests, with higher-priced tables offering the opportunity to dine with senior party leaders.

The table price list, along with their Afrika Mayibuye hosts, includes:

• Floyd Shivambu’s table – R2 million
• Deputy President – R 1.5 million;
• National Chairperson – R1 million;
• Secretary General – R500,000;
• Fundraiser General – R300,000;
• Treasurer General – R200,000;
• National Organiser – R120,000;
• Chaplain General – R100,000;
• Ordinary guest – R10,000 per seat.

Funds raised, according to the party, will support its first National Convention, expand social impact work, develop leaders, strengthen organisational governance, and build a united national movement.

“This Convention marks a decisive moment in South Africa’s democratic journey and our collective struggle for Total Freedom and Emancipation Now!”

“Together, these voices will refine our foundational documents, affirm our programme of action, and chart a principled path to collective power for the future of our nation.

In response to the ongoing debate over the price list, Shivambu said, “We appreciate the fact that everyone knows about the Gala Dinner now and all the tables will be sold!”

Pricy gala fundraisers are nothing new in South African politics.

The ANC hold high-profile fundraisers every anniversary, with a recent one featuring the Presidential Golf Day and gala dinner in Bloemfontein – raising R17 million.

Four-balls with President Cyril Ramaphosa were priced at R350,000, while playing with a minister or premier cost R75,000.

Gala dinner seating ranged from R5,000 per chair to R95,000, with full tables costing between R760,000 and R1.2 million.

Responding to criticism, Fikile Mbalula said such fundraisers are nothing new, attendance is voluntary, and business figures pay to network while supporting the ANC’s political activities.

Afrika Mayibuye Movement

Shivambu has had many political homes in the past. After starting his political career in the ANCYL, he formed the EFF alongside current leader Julius Malema and served as its deputy president. 

When he left to join the MK party of former President Jacob Zuma, he assumed the position of secretary general. However, Shivambu was fired from this position by Zuma in June 2025. 

The party attributed this to Shivambu’s controversial trip to Malawi to attend an Easter service at pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church, a man previously arrested and charged for fraud in South Africa in 2020. 

The party said this unauthorised trip, as well as accusations of abuse of office, leaking confidential information and fanning factionalism, led to his removal.

However, in a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Shivambu said he was removed because Zuma was threatened by his popularity in the party, and feared he might replace him as leader. 

The new party has already been embroiled in infighting. Just over a month since officially launching as a political party, it fired its first deputy president, Dr. Nolubabalo Mcinga.

Citing allegations of organisational and political misconduct, the decision, described as permanent, was made unanimously by officials to “protect and defend the integrity of the organisation against infiltration and abuse of office for personal gain.”

A businesswoman, author and philanthropist, Mcinga is the sixth wife of AbuThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. 

She is a former Member of Parliament for Shivambu’s former affiliation, the EFF, before resigning in November 2024.

Of the breaches cited, Mcinga allegedly held unauthorised meetings with Zuma without organisational approval.

The National Officials said Mcinga’s actions, including the alleged solicitation of a media company to defame the leadership, were in direct contravention of organisational directives.

The officials also firmly rejected claims that Mcinga was promised a salary, VIP protection, or other material benefits for participating in the Movement’s Consultation Process.

“All leaders in a formative organisation such as ours do not join with expectations of remuneration or special privileges,” the statement read.