Nyiko Floyd Shivambu (born 1 January 1983) is a South African politician serving as a member of parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters. He was born in Malamulele, Limpopo. He is the Deputy President and lieutenant commander-in-chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters, its Parliamentary Chief Whip in the South African Parliament, who serves in the Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee and the Standing Committee on Finance. Shivambu is also a Member of the Pan African Parliament, serving in the Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Committee. Early life 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, and went on to study at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg initially intending to study to become 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 went on to graduate 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 Parliament for the EFF (2014–present) 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 is the Deputy President in the Economic Freedom Fighters (2013–present) 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