Shivambu hails Zuma as ‘humble’ and ‘knowledgeable’ at 83rd birthday bash

Jacob Zuma

Johannesburg – MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu described former president Jacob Zuma as one of the “most humble and knowledgeable” political leaders during a celebration of Zuma’s 83rd birthday in Soweto over the weekend.

Addressing attendees, Shivambu praised Zuma’s “humility, knowledge, decisiveness, revolutionary spirit and commitment to the Freedom Charter”, calling him a “humble servant of the people”.

“There’s no one who can ever rise to greatness unless they are humble. Zuma is the humblest of leaders,” Shivambu said. “He talks with everyone, irrespective of social standing, age, class, religious affiliation or wealth.”

Shivambu joined the MK Party last year after resigning from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). He said he considers himself fortunate to now work closely with Zuma, despite having previously criticised him.

Zuma’s presidency was marred by allegations of state capture and corruption. In 2021, the Constitutional Court sentenced him to 15 months in prison for contempt after he defied a court order to appear before the Zondo Commission. The ANC expelled Zuma in 2023 for ill-discipline after he formed the MK Party, a move he continues to contest.

Shivambu defended Zuma’s legacy, saying efforts to discredit him were politically motivated.

“There’s not a single handler under apartheid or post-apartheid who can say they told Zuma what to do,” he said.

He also claimed that despite Zuma’s lack of formal education, he possesses more political insight than many with academic qualifications.

“He has a far better understanding of the global balance of forces than many others in leadership,” Shivambu said.

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