A group of senior former Mayibuye members are set to unveil a new political party after splitting from the organisation, with the founders saying they are seeking a fresh political direction following internal differences within the party.
The new movement, to be known as African Renaissance Unity (ARU), will officially be announced at a media briefing in Durban on Saturday, 25 July at 11am. According to a media invitation circulated to news organisations, “members from multiple political parties will be making a significant political announcement regarding their new political home,” with the official launch taking place at Clarence Hall, 20 Mitchell Crescent, Essenwood, Berea.
A spook revealed to Buzz Life News that leading the breakaway is King Bryce Mthimkhulu, from Hlubi Kingdom who has been named the founder of African Renaissance Unity. Mthimkhulu previously served as King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s proxy and traditional representative within Mayibuye, where he played a prominent role in the party’s traditional leadership structures and mobilisation efforts.
He is joined by former Mayibuye secretary-general Mahlaba, who was responsible for the party’s administration and organisational affairs, as well as former senior party leader Abdull, another key figure in the organisation’s leadership. The trio are among a group of former Mayibuye members who decided to part ways with the party following disagreements over its direction, leadership and internal governance.
The insider close to the breakaway says the former leaders believe a new political vehicle is needed to promote African unity, ethical leadership and economic renewal, prompting the formation of ARU.
The launch is expected to attract members from several political parties who are expected to publicly declare African Renaissance Unity as their new political home.
The media invitation states that further details about the party, its leadership and political programme will be revealed during Saturday’s briefing.
The announcement comes at a time when South Africa’s political landscape continues to shift ahead of future elections, with several smaller parties facing internal divisions and prominent leaders seeking to establish new political movements.
Journalists have been invited to attend the briefing, where African Renaissance Unity is expected to formally introduce its leadership, outline its vision and explain why its founders chose to leave Mayibuye to establish what they describe as a new political alternative.
