By Thabo Mosia
Mpho Morolane, the first President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC), has officially announced his resignation from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after a decade of service. Morolane, who played a pivotal role in the fight for the insourcing of workers in institutions of higher learning, shared that it was time for him to chart a new path. His departure marks yet another significant loss for the EFF as key figures continue to exit the party, with many following in the footsteps of Floyd Shivambu, who recently resigned and joined the MK Party. Shivambu has since been appointed as the National Organiser of the MK Party, a position that is likely to bolster the party’s organisational strength ahead of upcoming political contests.
Morolane’s Impact Within the EFF
Morolane, a member of the EFF Central Command Team (CCT), is widely credited for his activism in advocating for the rights of workers and students alike, particularly in championing the insourcing cause, which became a central issue in South African universities. His leadership within the EFFSC earned him a reputation as a formidable leader, one who was instrumental in mobilising the youth and advocating for economic justice.
In his resignation letter, dated 4 September 2024, Morolane expressed both his sorrow and joy in making this decision. He reflected on the challenges he faced as a member of the EFF and the personal sacrifices he made in upholding the organisation’s principles.
“This epoch has presented unprecedented challenges to the July Movement and thus my conscious decision to fully relinquish my membership and participation brings both deep sorrows infused with joy,” Morolane wrote. He went on to state, “One expects that the aforementioned decision be respected and accepted, furthermore the vitriol that is to descend upon one once the realisation of my departure from the organisation has set will equally be accepted, for after every storm comes calm.”
Morolane also expressed his deep respect for the EFF and its leadership, stating that he would never oppose the party publicly, despite his personal disagreements with some of its decisions. “The pain that one endured in decisions taken by the upper structure in relation to one’s tenure as the Inaugural President of the Student Command has never warranted from one’s end disrespect to senior leadership,” he added.
The EFF, he noted, would always be credited with “radicalising the youth for the generational mission of economic freedom in our lifetime” and producing quality leadership that could serve both nationally and internationally. He extended his gratitude to the EFF for contributing to his growth as a leader, acknowledging the many opportunities the party afforded him.
“Young activists including myself, in my time as a student, fought for insourcing of vulnerable workers in institutions of higher learning and many of the workers have found a political home in the EFF. The organisation has always felt like home, however, the time has come when a conscious decision has been taken by me to pursue a different path,” he concluded.
The Rise of the MK Party
Morolane is reportedly set to join the MK Party, a political organisation that has been gaining traction in recent months following the appointment of Jacob Zuma as its leader. Floyd Shivambu’s defection to the MK Party earlier this year set the stage for what appears to be a growing exodus of former EFF members to this new political home. Shivambu, once a close ally of EFF leader Julius Malema, was a co-founder of the party and served as its Deputy President. His departure sent shockwaves through the EFF, with analysts suggesting that his resignation represented a deeper crisis within the party.
In his remarks during a visit to KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, Malema acknowledged the departure of Shivambu, expressing a deep sense of loss. “It is never easy to lose a comrade like Floyd. But we understand that in politics, people choose their own paths. What is concerning is that many more will follow him,” Malema reportedly said. His statement hinted at more defections within the EFF, a concern that is growing as several members have already expressed their intentions to leave.
Other Notable Resignations from the EFF
Morolane’s resignation comes in the wake of several high-profile resignations from the EFF, including:
- Floyd Shivambu – The former EFF Deputy President, who has since taken up the position of National Organiser within the MK Party.
- Mzwanele Manyi – A former EFF spokesperson and close ally of Jacob Zuma, Manyi resigned from the EFF to join the MK Party as well.
- Mmabatho Mokause, former EFF National Organizer and Member of Parliament from the Northern Cape
This exodus has created an internal crisis for the EFF, with many political commentators suggesting that it may signal the beginning of the party’s decline. Despite these challenges, the EFF continues to maintain a strong base of supporters, particularly among the youth, and Malema has vowed to rebuild and strengthen the party.
In his farewell letter, Morolane bid the EFF farewell with a heavy heart but a clear sense of purpose. “I bid the organisation farewell, and it has left an indelible mark on my life,” he wrote.
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