By Phenyo Selinda
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini dismissed the public resignation of Mpho Morolane, the former president of the EFF Students Command (EFFSC), on 5 September 2024. According to Dlamini’s official statement, Morolane is “not a member of the EFF,” casting doubt on the legitimacy of Morolane’s resignation. The political tension surrounding the announcement has sparked widespread discussions within South Africa’s political circles and across social media platforms.
Morolane’s Resignation: Public Farewell
Mpho Morolane, who had been a part of the EFF for over a decade, made his resignation public on 4 September 2024. In a heartfelt letter, Morolane reflected on his time as the inaugural president of the EFFSC, acknowledging the significant contributions the EFF made to his political growth. His letter highlighted his efforts within the party to radicalise the youth and drive the movement’s generational mission for economic freedom.
Morolane expressed his decision as a “deep sorrow infused with joy,” pointing to the challenges he faced within the organisation. He described his affiliation with the EFF as a pivotal part of his life, stating that he had served with “humility, integrity and respect.” Despite this, Morolane noted it was time for him to pursue a different political path .
In his letter, he did not mention any conflicts or tensions within the party but chose instead to express gratitude and bid the organisation a respectful farewell. His decision to join the newly formed MK Party, under the leadership of former president Jacob Zuma and former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu, signalled the next step in his political career.
Marshall Dlamini’s Firm Response
The very next day, Marshall Dlamini issued a response dismissing Morolane’s resignation. Dlamini clarified that Morolane’s resignation was “misdirected,” as his name did not appear in the EFF’s official membership system. In his letter, dated 5 September 2024, Dlamini suggested that Morolane should forward his resignation to the relevant political party, presumably the MK Party. Dlamini further added, somewhat sarcastically, that he wished Morolane luck in “tracing his political home” .
This response immediately called into question Morolane’s role within the party, raising doubts about his level of involvement in recent years. Sources close to the party have hinted that Morolane’s political relevance had been waning, with reports suggesting he had failed to attend to his responsibilities as a member of the Central Command Team (CCT) .
Debate on Social Media
The tension between Morolane’s resignation and Dlamini’s response quickly escalated to social media platforms. On Social Media X (formerly Twitter), several prominent figures weighed in. Matumba Anthony, a vocal EFF supporter, accused ewn journalist Matshidiso Madia of creating the false impression that Morolane’s resignation was a major loss for the party. Anthony stated that Morolane had been asked to resign from the CCT due to “laziness” and his failure to contribute to party activities, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal region .
Anthony’s post further criticised Morolane for attempting to position himself as a significant figure within the EFF, when in reality, according to Anthony, he had failed to deliver on his responsibilities. The post sparked further discussions, with some defending Morolane’s contributions while others echoed Anthony’s sentiments, accusing Morolane of opportunism .
Morolane’s Move to the MK Party
Despite the controversy surrounding his resignation, Morolane confirmed that he would be joining the MK Party, a political movement spearheaded by Floyd Shivambu and former President Jacob Zuma. His decision to align with the MK Party follows a series of high-profile departures from the EFF, including Shivambu himself.
Media Criticism and Allegations of Sensationalism
The media’s portrayal of Morolane’s resignation has also come under scrutiny. Matumba Anthony, in his Social Media X post, accused journalist Matshidiso Madia of being an “alarmist” and sensationalising Morolane’s departure. He claimed that the media was attempting to create the impression that the EFF was losing key leaders, when in fact, according to Anthony, Morolane’s exit would have little to no impact on the party .
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