Floyd Shivambu facts for kids

Nyiko Floyd Shivambu (born 1 January 1983) is a South African politician who served as a member of parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters until 15 August 2024, when he joined Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe.

He was the Deputy President and lieutenant commander-in-chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters, its Parliamentary Chief Whip in the South African Parliament, and served in the Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee and the Standing Committee on Finance. Shivambu was also a Member of the Pan African Parliament, serving in the Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Committee.

Early life and education

Shivambu was born in the rural village of Mahonisi, Malamulele town in the Limpopo province South Africa. He was one of seven children. He grew up in a house without running water nor electricity. His parents earned a living as informal traders selling hand-made duvets and pillowcases in nearby towns. Shivambu graduated from the Mphambo High School in Malamulele in 2001.

Shivambu went on to study at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg with the intention of becoming a technician. He changed academic focus and instead earned a bachelor's degree as well as an honours degree in Political Studies and International Relations. Shivambu graduated with a master's degree, with distinction, in political studies in 2014. In his third year at the University of the Witwatersrand, Shivambu was elected president of the university's Student Representative Body and joined the African National Congress Youth League.

On 6 February 2018, he announced that he has been accepted by the Wits School of Governance to pursue a doctoral degree with his thesis focused on SA's transformation policies, legislation and practices: ownership and control of JSE-listed companies.

Political career

• Member of Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (2024)-Secretary General of uMkhonto weSizwe.
• Member of Parliament for the EFF (2014–2024)
• Member of the Pan-African Parliament (2014-2018)
• Spokesperson of African National Congress Youth League (2008–2012)
• Board Member of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (2008–2012)
• Students Representative of Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (2006–2007)
• Student Representative Council president at University of Witwatersrand (2004–2005)
• National Executive of South African Students Congress

Shivambu was the Deputy President in the Economic Freedom Fighters (2013–2024) and responsible for Policy, Research, and International Relations.

Since their days in the African National Congress Youth League, Shivambu and Julius Malema have appeared as close political allies. Following both their suspension from the African National Congress, Floyd Shivambu co-founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), alongside Julius Malema.

In 2014, he co-edited a book about Julius Malema, entitled The Coming Revolution: Julius Malema and the Fight for Economic Freedom. Following the 2024 South African general election, Malema stated that the formation of a coalition between the EFF and ANC would be contingent on Shivambu being appointed Minister of Finance. On 18 August 2024 Julius Malema announced Sinawo Tambo as Floyd's replacement in parliament.