Former Deputy President of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, Nolubabalo Mcinga, has expressed deep frustration over what she describes as a leadership crisis within the organization.
Speaking in conversation with the SABC, Mcinga said the movement’s leadership was plagued by internal problems and a lack of empathy for the struggles of its members. “The Afrika Mayibuye leadership has a lot of problems,” she said. “I had challenges with my children’s school fees and all, and you have a president next to you who cannot listen to your problems or assist you in your challenges.”
Mcinga questioned the moral standing of leaders who, she said, appeared surrounded by wealth while ignoring the hardships of those close to them. “You see Bentleys around — maybe they are his friends, I don’t know — but you cannot tell me that you can have Bentleys around you and yet cannot assist the one that is closer to you. If you can’t assist the one next to you, how are you going to keep promises to the nation? You’re going to lie to them as well, isn’t it?”
The former deputy president stressed that her grievances were rooted in principle rather than anger. “To me, it’s about the principle, nothing else. I’m not fighting out of anger, I’m fighting out of principle, because I have a constituency that I brought, and I said this is what we stand for as Afrika Mayibuye.”
According to Mcinga, many members of her constituency — spread across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni — have chosen to distance themselves from the movement until further notice. “Most of my constituency decided not to get involved in Afrika Mayibuye. They are waiting for me,” she said. “I said I’m going to call a press conference where I’m going to say from here, this is what I’m going to do.”
Mcinga revealed that she was awaiting a meeting with former President Jacob Zuma, who is currently in Burkina Faso, to discuss her next political steps. “We have an appointment,” she said. “I don’t say I am going back to uMkhonto weSizwe Party. I am volunteering right now for the MK party, but I’m not waiting. I own the Afrika Mayibuye Movement; I’m its founder. MKP did not accept my resignation.”
Calling for ethical leadership, Mcinga emphasized the need for leaders who serve the people rather than exploit them. “We need leaders that are servants, not leaders that are corrupt or leaders that are liars,” she said.
She urged her supporters not to follow individuals blindly, but to think independently. “They are all waiting and saying, ‘We are going where you are going.’ But I want that to change from the members. They must make their own decisions. They must not move because of an individual. It can’t be personal.”