By Thabo Mosia
Johannesburg, South Africa — In a recent interview on Sizwe Mpofu-Welsh’s podcast SMWX, former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President Floyd Shivambu made headlines with revelations about his departure from the EFF and his subsequent decision to join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). Shivambu disclosed that several senior EFF leaders were aware of his move to the MKP, but EFF leader Julius Malema was intentionally kept in the dark. The former deputy president justified his decision by saying he felt no obligation to inform Malema personally, a statement that has further intensified the internal tensions within the EFF.
Shivambu’s Shocking Exit from the EFF
Shivambu’s departure from the EFF on 15 August 2024 marked one of the most significant shifts in South Africa’s political landscape this year. Known as one of the founding members of the EFF alongside Malema, Shivambu’s exit from the “Red Berets” signalled a seismic shift, with political analysts speculating that this could weaken the EFF’s stronghold. According to Shivambu, leaving the EFF was “the most correct, sound, and best decision” he could make, as he believed the MKP aligned more closely with his vision for “real revolutionary politics.”
Shivambu’s revelations on SMWX highlighted the complexities of his departure. He stated, “Some of the comrades said they were shocked I went to uMkhonto weSizwe Party, [but the] majority of leaders in the EFF knew I was joining uMkhonto weSizwe Party.” Shivambu added that several leaders even approached him privately, pleading with him not to inform Malema about his plans to leave.
Malema’s Exclusion and Reactions from EFF Supporters
In the interview, Shivambu expressed that while some EFF leaders were aware of his departure, he saw no reason to directly inform Malema. This exclusion of Malema has led to speculation about growing divisions within the EFF’s upper echelons. Shivambu’s decision not to inform Malema appears to have been a calculated move, aimed at ensuring his departure remained an individual choice rather than a mass exodus that could destabilise the party.
Following his exit, Shivambu received mixed reactions on social media, with his name trending across various platforms. Supporters of the EFF expressed their disappointment, seeing his departure as a betrayal to the party’s cause. However, some praised his move to the MKP as a necessary step for someone deeply invested in the ideals of revolutionary politics and total decolonisation. Shivambu’s tweet shortly after the interview, quoting Amilcar Cabral’s words, “Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories,” garnered attention, solidifying his stance as a principled and transparent leader.
The MKP’s Growing Influence: An Alternative for Disillusioned Politicians
Shivambu’s defection to the MKP is not an isolated incident. The newly-formed party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, has become a refuge for several prominent figures from the EFF and ANC who are dissatisfied with the direction of their respective parties. Recently, former Public Protector and EFF Member of Parliament Busisiwe Mkhwebane also announced her decision to join the MKP, alongside ANC veteran Willies Mchunu.
The MKP is positioning itself as a populist alternative with a focus on total decolonisation and economic liberation, attracting those who feel that existing parties have strayed from their revolutionary roots. Shivambu remarked, “It would make sense for those who want to pursue real revolutionary politics to associate with MKP, as it is an organic formation that is fighting for total decolonisation.”
The Possibility of a Mass Exodus from the EFF
During the interview, Shivambu also revealed that while consulting with other EFF members about his departure, some suggested a mass exit from the party to join the MKP. However, Shivambu advised against this, stating, “I told them, ‘I don’t think that is a wise decision. If you decide to join uMkhonto weSizwe Party, it must not appear as though I was responsible for the mass exodus of the EFF. I join the MKP in my individual capacity and so should everyone else.’” This statement reflects Shivambu’s commitment to an orderly transition rather than a chaotic departure that could harm both parties.
Malema’s Response and the EFF’s Future
In response to Shivambu’s departure, Malema expressed a mixture of pain and resignation. He likened Shivambu’s exit to a personal loss, as the two have shared a close political relationship since co-founding the EFF in 2014. Political observers suggest that Shivambu’s departure could impact the EFF’s performance and potentially lead to a decline in support as loyalists shift their allegiance to the MKP.
The EFF is expected to hold its next conference in December, where party leadership will be up for contention. Shivambu’s departure, coupled with other members potentially contemplating similar moves, places Malema in a challenging position as he works to retain control and unity within the EFF.
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