Nyiko Floyd Shivambu is a seasoned South African politician whose bold rhetoric, strategic mind, and controversies have made headlines for over a decade. From his rise in student politics to his dramatic switch from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), Shivambu’s political journey is marked by transformation, defiance, and drama.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nyiko Floyd Shivambu |
| Date of Birth | 1 January 1983 (Age 42) |
| Place of Birth | Mahonisi Village, Malamulele, Limpopo Province |
| Current Residence | South Africa |
| Political Party | MK (2024–present), EFF (2013–2024), ANC (1990–2012) |
| Highest Qualification | Master’s in Political Studies, Wits University (2014, with distinction) |
| Alma Mater | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Spouse | Siphesihle Pezi-Shivambu (married in 2017) |
| Children | Katekani Shivambu |
| Siblings | Brian Shivambu |
| Past Positions | EFF Deputy President (2013–2024), MP (2014–2024), MK Secretary General (2024–2025) |
| Controversies | VBS Bank scandal, assault of journalist, paternity scandal, racism accusations |
Early Life and Education
Born into poverty in the Limpopo province, Shivambu was raised in a home without running water or electricity. His parents were informal traders. He matriculated in 2001 and pursued political studies at Wits University, where he became SRC President in 2004. He would go on to earn a Master’s degree with distinction, later pursuing a PhD on South Africa’s economic transformation policies.
Political Career Highlights
- ANC Youth League (2008–2012): Served as national spokesperson and aligned closely with Julius Malema.
- EFF Co-Founder (2013): Helped establish the Economic Freedom Fighters and was appointed Deputy President.
- Parliamentary Role (2014–2024): MP and Parliamentary Chief Whip, active in Finance and Trade Committees.
- MK Party (2024): After the 2024 elections, he shocked many by defecting to Jacob Zuma’s MK party, where he was made Secretary General.
- Dismissed from MK (June 2025): Ousted after a controversial unsanctioned visit to Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi.
Scandals and Controversies
VBS Bank Scandal
In 2018, reports linked Shivambu and his brother to illicit funds from the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank. Investigations alleged Floyd received R1.84 million, though he denied wrongdoing. Parliament’s ethics committee confirmed at least R180,000 was transferred from his brother’s company.
Assault on Journalist
In 2018, Shivambu physically attacked a journalist outside Parliament. Legal proceedings dragged into 2021.
Paternity Scandal
In 2015, a public paternity dispute unfolded. He later accepted responsibility after DNA results but cited financial strain in maintenance proceedings.
Racism Accusation
He came under fire in 2018 for targeting Treasury official Ismail Momoniat, sparking widespread criticism for racial remarks.
Publications
Shivambu co-edited the political book “The Coming Revolution: Julius Malema and the Fight for Economic Freedom” in 2014, which outlines the ideological blueprint of the EFF.
Expulsion from MK Party
In June 2025, Jacob Zuma dismissed Shivambu from his Secretary General role for visiting fugitive Shepherd Bushiri without party approval — a move seen as undermining MK’s constitution and policies.
Final Thoughts
Floyd Shivambu remains one of the most controversial yet impactful figures in South African politics. Whether remembered for his fiery speeches, policy critiques, or his embroilment in scandal, his story continues to be one of defiance, ambition, and reinvention.
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