Floyd Shivambu facts for kids

Nyiko Floyd Shivambu, born on 1 January 1983, is a well-known South African politician. He was a Member of Parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) until August 2024. After that, he joined the uMkhonto weSizwe political party.

Before joining uMkhonto weSizwe, he was the Deputy President of the EFF. He also served as the EFF's main leader in the South African Parliament, called the Chief Whip. He worked on important committees like Trade and Industry and Finance. He was also a member of the Pan-African Parliament, focusing on rural economy and environment.

Early Life & Education

Floyd Shivambu was born in a small village called Mahonisi. This village is near Malamulele town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. He was one of seven children in his family.

He grew up in a home that did not have running water or electricity. His parents made a living by selling handmade duvets and pillowcases. They sold these items in nearby towns. Shivambu finished high school at Mphambo High School in Malamulele in 2001.

After high school, Shivambu went to the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He first planned to become a technician. However, he changed his mind and studied Political Studies and International Relations instead. He earned a bachelor's degree and an honours degree in these subjects. In 2014, he completed his master's degree in political studies with high marks.

During his third year at university, Shivambu was chosen as the president of the Student Representative Body. He also joined the African National Congress Youth League at this time. In 2018, he announced that he was going to study for a doctoral degree. His research would focus on South Africa's policies for economic change.

Political Career & Roles

Floyd Shivambu has held many important roles throughout his political career. He started by being active in student politics.

• Member of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (2024–present): He is currently the Secretary General of this party.
• Member of Parliament for the EFF (2014–2024): He represented the EFF in the South African Parliament.
• Member of the Pan-African Parliament (2014–2018): He worked with politicians from across Africa.
• Spokesperson for the African National Congress Youth League (2008–2012): He spoke for the youth wing of the ANC.
• Board Member of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (2008–2012): He helped manage student financial aid.
• Student Representative Council president at University of Witwatersrand (2004–2005): He led the student body at his university.

Shivambu was the Deputy President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from 2013 to 2024. In this role, he was in charge of the party's policies, research, and international relations.

Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema have been close political friends for a long time. They worked together in the African National Congress Youth League. After both were suspended from the African National Congress, they co-founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) together.

In 2014, Shivambu helped edit a book about Julius Malema. The book was called The Coming Revolution: Julius Malema and the Fight for Economic Freedom. After the 2024 South African general election, Julius Malema said that the EFF would only form a government partnership with the ANC if Shivambu became the Minister of Finance. On 18 August 2024, Julius Malema announced that Sinawo Tambo would take over Shivambu's role in parliament.