Floyd Shivambu Defends Naming Rape‑Accused Bishop Zondo as Mayibuye National Chaplain

Published June 28, 2025

Floyd Shivambu, prominent South African politician and founder of the new Mayibuye consultation process, has drawn intense criticism after appointing Bishop Stephen Zondo—who faces multiple rape charges—as the movement’s national chaplain. This decision has sparked outrage on social media, igniting debate over political accountability, religious authority, and the boundaries of legal presumption.

🔹 Who Are the Key Figures?

• Floyd Shivambu – Former Deputy President of the Economic Freedom Fighters, until relocating to Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in August 2024, serving as its Secretary‑General until June 2025
• Bishop Stephen Zondo – Senior pastor of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries. He is serving trial in Pretoria High Court on multiple counts of rape and sexual assault involving seven women, which he denies :contentReference

🔹 What Did Shivambu Announce?

At a press briefing on June 27, 2025, Shivambu revealed his new Mayibuye consultation structure, which includes pastors, civic leaders, and traditional authorities. Among them, Bishop Zondo was unveiled as the National Chaplain. Shivambu defended the decision by reminding journalists that Zondo is “not convicted” and highlighted his longstanding role as a community and religious leader

“Pastor Zondo is not convicted of any crime… he has been playing multiple leadership roles in his community,” Shivambu defended

🔹 Why Has This Caused Backlash?

1. Presumption of Innocence vs Moral Leadership

Supporters of Shivambu’s move claim it upholds legal fairness—Zondo has not yet been convicted. Critics argue that even allegations this serious disqualify one from holding a high-profile moral office. They say such appointments send the wrong message to survivors and normalise delay tactics in sexual abuse cases.

2. Political Ethics Under Scrutiny

This isn’t the first time Shivambu has courted controversy over his associations with religious figures facing legal allegations. In April 2025, he visited fugitive Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi and praised him—actions condemned as undermining South Africa’s legal norms

3. Public Reaction & Media Criticism

South Africans took to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and other platforms to voice concerns. One user observed that it “emboldens those who believe they can escape accountability.” Another described the appointment as “a blatant disrespect to survivors and due process.”

🔹 The Legal Status of Bishop Zondo

Zondo currently faces charges including rape and sexual assault involving seven women, some as young as eight at the time . In April 2025, a Pretoria High Court judge dismissed his application for dismissal, ruling that there is enough evidence for him to stand trial . The case has been adjourned to May 22 for further proceedings

🔹 Shivambu’s Justification

Shivambu emphasised that Mayibuye is designed as a broad dialogue platform—he wants voices from various sectors, including religious ones, assuming no convictions. He stated:

“Mayibuye didn’t make a mistake recruiting Zondo in its consultation process.” :contentReference

However, critics argue leadership roles like a national chaplain should require higher moral legitimacy than mere presumption of innocence—especially given the gravity of the allegations.

🔹 Political Landscape & Precedent

This incident highlights a broader trend in South African politics: Shivambu’s evolving alliances—from the ANC (1990‑2012) to founding the EFF (2013‑2024), then shifting to MK in 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. These moves, along with his association with controversial religious figures, fuel suspicion of populist tactics over principle.

Former President Jacob Zuma, now a pillar of MKP, has also shown support for Zondo—he famously visited Zondo’s church in early 2024, criticizing the judiciary and advocating constitutional changes

🔹 What Happens Next?

• Legal proceedings continue, with more evidence expected. If convicted, Zondo faces severe legal consequences.
• Mayibuye’s legitimacy could suffer—critics may boycott or protest against its inclusion of contested figures.
• Political fallout for Shivambu could include pressure from civil society and political rivals calling for him to reconsider leadership appointments.

🔹 Broader Implications for South Africa

This case underscores the tension between legal fairness and moral leadership. It raises critical questions:

1. Does legal innocence suffice for high moral appointments?
2. Do associations with accused religious figures undermine public trust?
3. Can political strategy override ethical optics in building new political movements?

It also touches on ongoing national debates about gender-based violence—a persistent social challenge in South Africa. Appointing someone facing rape charges to a prominent religious role may reinforce distrust in institutions meant to protect survivors.

🔹 Final Word

Floyd Shivambu’s appointment of Bishop Zondo to a key spiritual role in the Mayibuye movement is a bold and divisive move. Supporters cite legal rights and inclusivity; dissenters highlight principle, optics, and gender justice. As both legal and public judgment unfold, this episode will likely define the tone and credibility of Mayibuye—and perhaps influence the broader trajectory of South African politics.

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