Former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has made a bold promise to cancel the municipal debt of poor and child-headed households if his new party, Afrika Mayibuye Movement, wins in the November 4 local government elections. This pledge was made during the launch of the party's election manifesto in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday. Shivambu stated that the debt would be written off through lawful municipal processes, with pensioners and low-income households receiving the biggest rebates allowed by law.
Shivambu's party aims to take a proactive approach to addressing the failures of local government. Mayibuye councils will assume responsibility for fixing broken infrastructure, including schools, clinics, police stations, and roads, even if another sphere of government is responsible. This approach is based on the understanding that residents experience the failure of government as a single entity, regardless of the sphere of government responsible.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement was launched by Shivambu in September after he was fired as secretary-general of the MKP in June 2025 and had his membership terminated in July. Shivambu co-founded the EFF with Julius Malema and served as its deputy president for nearly a decade before defecting to the MKP in August 2024. The party chose Thembisa as the launch site due to its reputation as an example of local government failure.
Thembisa residents face numerous challenges, including dry taps, reliance on water tankers, sewage in the streets, and broken streetlights. The City of Ekurhuleni has acknowledged that bulk sewer upgrades in Thembisa will not be completed until 2028. According to Parliament, the 2024/25 audit revealed that Ekurhuleni's critical information could not be verified, conditional grants were heavily underspent, and national funding was withheld due to slow project implementation.
Shivambu emphasized that the suffering experienced by residents is not a natural consequence, but rather a result of poor governance. He stated that poverty is not a municipal policy and that unemployment is not a destiny. The party plans to hire its own plumbers, electricians, and road crews instead of relying on contractors and will conduct lifestyle audits of councillors and senior officials.
To ensure accountability, Shivambu warned his candidates against using the party for personal gain. He emphasized that councillors should not be motivated by titles, salaries without service, or tenders for friends. The party will contest municipalities across the country, with Ekurhuleni being a key target. Shivambu expressed confidence that Ekurhuleni can be won with disciplined organization, honest leadership, and a program that speaks to the people.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement's election manifesto launch in Thembisa marked a significant milestone in the party's campaign. With a focus on addressing the failures of local government and providing relief to poor households, the party aims to make a meaningful impact in the November 4 local government elections. The party's success will depend on its ability to mobilize support and implement its ambitious plans.
Key points
- Afrika Mayibuye Movement promises to cancel municipal debt for poor households.
- Party aims to take charge of fixing broken infrastructure.
- Shivambu warns candidates against using party for personal gain.
