IN A NOT-SO-SURPRISING turn of events, former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has officially resigned from the party that launched his political career.
The announcement came during a candid interview aired on SABC on Monday morning. In it, Ndlozi cited his strained relationship with party leadership, including party leader Julius Malema, as a primary factor for his departure.
“I have left EFF as a political party. I have handed in my resignation as a member," said Ndlozi.
The Daily News published an article in January about Ndlozi’s imminent exit from the EFF.
He reflected on his years with the EFF, having been with the party since its inception in 2013, saying he believed his contributions will be carried on by the next generation of leaders.
The resignation follows months of speculation regarding Ndlozi's future within the party, especially after the news broke in January about his imminent exit.
As a prominent figure within the EFF, Ndlozi served as one of 25 members of parliament (MPs) representing the party after the 2014 national elections.
During the interview, Ndlozi shed light on his recent suspension from the EFF, which occurred approximately six weeks before the all-important national elective conference (National People’s Assembly) in December.
He labelled the suspension as "unconventional" and inconsistent with the party’s code of conduct and constitution. The rationale behind the suspension, according to Ndlozi, stemmed from an intelligence report that accused him of collaborating with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, a claim that he refuted.
He said the report surfaced after EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu's recent defection to the MKP in August, which signalled potential fractures within the EFF's ranks. Shivambu is now the secretary-general of the MKP.
Ndlozi’s departure adds to a growing list of notable figures who have left the EFF for the MK party, which is led by Jacob Zuma. Dali Mpofu, Mzwanele Manyi, and former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane are among those who have defected to the party ed by former president Jacob Zuma.
Julius Malema’s commentary on Ndlozi’s political future in the EFF has been telling.
He has publicly stated that there was "no personal relationship" between them, effectively placing a marker that their bond of friendship no longer existed. Although Malema refrained from discussing Ndlozi's possible future political ventures.
The implications of the split are not lost on observers of South Africa's political landscape.
In a surprising twist, Ndlozi caused a stir on social media earlier this month by heaping praises on President Cyril Ramaphosa . He claimed that Ramaphosa was “truly up to something” and distinguished him as the most committed head of state to social transformation in South Africa’s history. This unexpected endorsement further complicates the narrative surrounding Ndlozi's political journey and hints at potential new alliances.
As the dust settles from this resignation, all eyes will be on Ndlozi’s next roll of the political dice.
Daily News