Mmabatho Mokause
By Thabo Mosia
Mmabatho Mokause, former EFF National Organizer and Member of Parliament from the Northern Cape, has announced her decision to leave the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and join Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party). This move mirrors the recent actions of Floyd Shivambu, former EFF Deputy President, who has also switched allegiance to the MK Party, now serving as its National Organizer.
Who is Mmabatho Mokause?
Mmabatho Mokause has been a formidable figure within the EFF since its inception. Known for her dedication to the party’s ideals and her robust leadership, Mokause has served as a Member of Parliament, representing the Northern Cape. Her political career has been marked by her strong advocacy for social justice, economic transformation, and the rights of marginalized communities in South Africa.
Mokause’s role as the EFF’s National Organizer placed her at the heart of the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts, particularly in the Northern Cape, where she was instrumental in expanding the party’s influence. Her decision to join the MK Party is seen as a significant blow to the EFF, especially considering her deep roots in the Northern Cape and her close working relationship with EFF leaders like Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu.
Floyd Shivambu’s Influence and the MK Party’s Recruitment Drive
According to insider sources, Floyd Shivambu, who recently resigned from the EFF to join Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, has been actively recruiting key EFF members who did not make it onto the party’s parliamentary list. Shivambu’s departure from the EFF has sent shockwaves through the political arena, and his subsequent appointment as the National Organizer for the MK Party has intensified speculation about the party’s growing influence and potential to attract disillusioned EFF members.
Shivambu’s recruitment drive has reportedly targeted individuals like Mokause, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the EFF’s internal dynamics and the party’s strategic direction. His efforts have been described as part of a broader strategy to build a strong, united front within the MK Party, drawing from the ranks of seasoned politicians who have experience in parliamentary procedures and a track record of grassroots mobilization.
Northern Cape’s Performance in the 2024 General Elections: A Comparative Analysis
The Northern Cape, under the stewardship of leaders like Mmabatho Mokause, has been a critical battleground in South Africa’s political landscape. The province’s performance in the 2024 general elections provides a window into the shifting allegiances and the changing fortunes of political parties in the region.
In the 2024 general elections, the EFF’s performance in the Northern Cape saw a noticeable decline compared to the 2019 elections. In 2019, the EFF managed to secure a significant portion of the vote, establishing itself as a formidable opposition party in the province. However, the 2024 elections painted a different picture, with the party losing ground to both the ANC and the newly formed MK Party.
Analysts attribute this decline to several factors, including internal divisions within the EFF, dissatisfaction among the electorate with the party’s handling of key issues, and the emergence of the MK Party as a viable alternative. The MK Party, under the leadership of figures like Jacob Zuma and Floyd Shivambu, capitalized on the growing disillusionment among voters, particularly those who felt that the EFF had lost its revolutionary zeal.
The comparison between the 2019 and 2024 election results highlights the challenges facing the EFF in maintaining its foothold in the Northern Cape. The loss of key leaders like Mokause to the MK Party is likely to exacerbate these challenges, as the party struggles to retain its base in a province that has become increasingly competitive.
Floyd Shivambu’s Role in the MK Party and His Recent Remarks
Floyd Shivambu’s transition from the EFF to the MK Party has been one of the most talked-about developments in South African politics this year. After serving as the EFF’s Deputy President for several years, Shivambu’s resignation and subsequent appointment as the National Organizer for the MK Party signaled a significant realignment in the country’s political dynamics.
In his recent comments, Shivambu has been vocal about his reasons for leaving the EFF and joining the MK Party. He has criticized the EFF’s leadership, particularly Julius Malema, for what he perceives as a departure from the party’s original revolutionary principles. Shivambu has also emphasized his commitment to building the MK Party into a powerful political force that can challenge the status quo and advocate for radical economic transformation.
At a recent media briefing, Shivambu outlined his vision for the MK Party, stating that the party aims to “restore the revolutionary spirit that has been lost in South African politics.” He also took the opportunity to praise Jacob Zuma for his leadership and for providing a platform for those who still believe in the ideals of the liberation struggle.
Shivambu’s remarks have resonated with many within the MK Party, particularly those who feel that the EFF has become too focused on electoral politics at the expense of its revolutionary ideals. His appointment as National Organizer is seen as a strategic move to bolster the MK Party’s organizational capacity and to attract disaffected members from other political formations, particularly the EFF.
The EFF’s Gauteng Ground Forces Forum and the KZN Visit
The EFF has been facing significant challenges in recent months, not least due to the departure of key figures like Floyd Shivambu and Mmabatho Mokause. Despite these setbacks, the party has continued its efforts to mobilize its base, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Recently, the EFF held a Gauteng Ground Forces Forum, which was addressed by party leader Julius Malema. The forum was an attempt to rally the party’s supporters and to address concerns about the direction of the party in the wake of Shivambu’s resignation. Malema used the platform to reaffirm the party’s commitment to its revolutionary principles and to reassure supporters that the EFF remains a powerful force in South African politics.
In addition to the Gauteng Ground Forces Forum, the EFF also conducted a visit to KwaZulu-Natal to assess the state of the organization in the province. This visit was seen as particularly important, given the province’s historical significance and its role as a stronghold for both the ANC and the newly formed MK Party.
During the visit, Malema and other EFF leaders engaged with local structures and supporters, addressing concerns about the party’s future and its ability to compete with the MK Party in the region. The visit also provided an opportunity for the EFF to demonstrate its organizational strength and to counter the narrative that the party is in decline following the departure of key leaders.
The MK Party’s Provincial Visits and Strategic Planning
As the MK Party continues to gain momentum, the party’s leadership has embarked on a series of provincial visits to assess the state of the organization and to strategize for the upcoming municipal elections. These visits are part of a broader plan to solidify the party’s presence across South Africa and to build a strong, united front in key provinces.
Following the visit to KwaZulu-Natal, the MK Party has announced plans to visit other provinces, including the Northern Cape, where the recent defection of Mmabatho Mokause is expected to strengthen the party’s position. These provincial visits are being led by senior MK Party leaders, including Jacob Zuma and Floyd Shivambu, who are working to ensure that the party’s structures are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The MK Party’s strategy involves not only recruiting disillusioned members from other political formations but also building a grassroots movement that can effectively challenge the dominance of the ANC and the EFF in key provinces. The party’s leadership is focusing on issues such as economic empowerment, land reform, and social justice, which resonate with a broad section of the South African electorate.
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