Mayibuye Mandela
In a firm rebuttal to swirling social media claims, Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela has come out strongly to deny that he has left the Economic Freedom Fighters. The political activist and great-grandson of Nelson Mandela issued a detailed statement on 3 December 2025, calling the rumours “a lie” and stressing his deep commitment to the EFF’s fight for economic freedom. This comes amid online chatter suggesting he had quietly moved to another group, sparking debates about loyalty in South African politics.
Mandela’s words have brought some clarity to the confusion, but they also highlight how quickly false stories can spread in today’s digital world. As a young voice in the struggle, his stand could inspire others to stay true to their causes, even when faced with misinformation. For the EFF, this denial helps shut down talk of internal cracks at a time when the party is gearing up for key battles ahead.
Who is Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela?
Mayibuye Mandela comes from a family with deep roots in South Africa’s freedom fight. As the great-grandson of former president Nelson Mandela, he grew up hearing stories of sacrifice and change. Born in humble settings, he has often spoken about his tough past and his drive to finish the work started by his ancestors.
His political path took a big turn in July 2024 when he left the African National Congress. He cited the party’s slow handling of land issues as his main reason, saying black people were still “in chains” without real ownership. “We must repossess land,” he declared at the time, showing his focus on giving back what was taken during apartheid.
In February 2025, Mandela joined the EFF, drawn to its strong stand on economic justice and land return. The party welcomed him warmly, with leaders saying his choice showed the ongoing pull of the struggle. Since then, he has been active in EFF events, speaking at rallies and pushing for youth involvement. At 30 years old, he sees himself as part of a new wave in politics, rejecting “political tourism” where leaders jump between parties for gain.
The Rumours That Sparked the Denial
Talk of Mandela leaving the EFF started bubbling on social media in late November 2025. Posts claimed he had “silently left” the party to join a little-known group called the Azania Movement as its national mobiliser. One widely shared tweet from a user named Azania said EFF members were celebrating other resignations while ignoring Mandela’s quiet exit. It included a photo and got thousands of views, with people asking who Mandela was in the EFF and what role he played.
Other comments mocked the rumours, saying Mandela thought his family name would get him high positions but got “blueticked” by the party. Some linked it to bigger EFF issues, like past members leaving for groups like the Afrika Mayibuye Movement. Posts from EFF supporters questioned the claims, asking for proof and calling out “paid media” for spreading unchecked stories.
These whispers grew from earlier talks about Mandela’s views on land and his criticism of sell-outs. But no hard facts backed the exit claims, leading to his quick response to set the record straight.
Mandela’s Full Statement of Loyalty
In his statement, Mandela made his position crystal clear. “Good day, My name is Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela. I am an advocate for economic emancipation and a committed member of the Economic Freedom Fighters. I am grounded in the ongoing struggle of our people, and my loyalty to the movement is unwavering.
It has been falsely claimed that I silently left the EFF. Let me be clear: this is a lie. I have never abandoned the organisation, and I will continue to defend both my name and the name of the EFF. This matters because reputation and integrity are non-negotiable in the struggle we fight for. Misleading narratives not only harm individuals but also weaken the movement and the people it serves.
I am a person who engages with everyone respectfully and listens carefully.I always act with integrity and principle. I do not compromise my loyalty for personal gain.
I have a responsibility to protect the EFF, and I have no intention of leaving. I am still young in politics, and I refuse to move around like a political tourist. The trend of leaders hopping between organisations is something I reject completely. Figures like Mr. Manyi and Mr. Floyd Shivambu represent the very behaviour I will never emulate. My commitment is long-term and non-negotiable.
I am here to build, strengthen, and defend the EFF. I know where I stand, and I know who I stand with.
Finally, I want to thank those who reached out, called, and sought clarity instead of believing false claims. Your support is deeply appreciated. This statement ensures there is no confusion about my position, my principles, and my unwavering loyalty to the EFF.”
His words directly tackle the rumours, thanking supporters who checked facts first and slamming “political tourists” who switch sides for gain.
Reactions from EFF Members and the Public
EFF followers have mostly backed Mandela’s denial, with some saying the rumours were just smears to weaken the party. One post called him a “former MP and councillor” in the EFF, showing he held roles before. Others laughed off the claims, asking “Who is Mayibuye Mandela in the EFF?” to downplay his supposed exit.
On broader social media, talks mixed humour with serious takes on party loyalty. Some linked it to recent EFF losses, like members joining the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, but Mandela’s stand drew praise for staying put. Critics of the EFF used it to poke fun, but his clear denial has quieted much of the noise.
The party itself has not commented publicly, but insiders say it values members like Mandela who speak up for the cause.

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