Johannesburg - The Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM), led by Floyd Shivambu, is reportedly facing significant challenges even before fully establishing itself in South Africa's political arena. The fledgling party has been hit by a series of resignations from prominent members, and a crucial fundraising dinner, initially projected to generate substantial funds, has been postponed, exacerbating the existing turmoil.
In an effort to stabilize the situation, AMM has undertaken a restructuring of its top leadership. Spokesperson Sydney Baloyi attributed some of the departures to a potential waning of enthusiasm for participating in the political sphere. He explained, "Unlike any other organisation in South Africa, we started with a consultation process that visited all the nine provinces."
Baloyi further elaborated, "It's possible that after that entire exhaustive roadshow, some of the people who came with all the enthusiasm that made us believe they could be trusted leaders all the way, may just have discovered that they do not have enough gasoline in their political tanks to go all the way." While acknowledging that these resignations are regrettable, Baloyi stated that the party respects the decisions of those who have stepped down.
He emphasized that AMM will move forward with those who remain fully committed to leading the party towards its "intended destination."
AMM Unveils 'Restoration Manifesto'
Despite the internal challenges, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement recently unveiled its founding document, the 'Restoration Manifesto,' which outlines the party's political and ideological stance. The manifesto reportedly aims to complete the liberation of oppressed people in South Africa. Key tenets include opposition to undocumented immigration and calls for a Commission of Inquiry into Black Poverty.
Secretary General Lazola Ndamase asserts that the manifesto addresses the current state of the country, arguing that it has deviated from the vision at the end of apartheid. He stated, "It is seeking to restore that which is incomplete and has fallen into the hands of thugs, ideologically weak and politically misguided and organisationally disorganised formations."
The AMM is scheduled to hold its first national convention this week, where delegates are expected to deliberate and adopt various policy positions. The party anticipates the attendance of at least 2,000 delegates from across the country.