Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has spoken out about the departure of his close ally and the party’s deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, likening the emotional impact to the death of his own mother. Malema made this poignant comparison during a press briefing on Thursday, following the announcement that Shivambu would be leaving the EFF to join the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party.
A Brotherly Bond
Malema described Shivambu not just as a comrade but as a brother, emphasizing the deep personal and professional bond they share. “To me, he is not just a comrade but a brother, and he will remain a brother, even when he pursues his political career differently,” Malema stated. The two have been pivotal figures in the formation and growth of the EFF since its inception in 2013.
The Pain of Departure
Malema revealed that he was deeply affected when he received Shivambu’s resignation letter, describing the pain as equivalent to the moment he learned of his mother’s passing. “When he sent me a letter yesterday, I felt the same pain as when I received the news of the passing of my mother,” Malema shared, his demeanor somber.
EFF’s Endurance and Open Doors
Despite the gravity of Shivambu’s departure, Malema emphasized that the EFF would continue to thrive. He acknowledged that every organization that surpasses the 10-year mark faces testing moments, and this was one such moment for the EFF. However, Malema was clear that Shivambu would never be considered an enemy of the party, and that the door would always remain open for him should he choose to return.
Shivambu’s Resignation: Not a Vote of No Confidence
During the same press briefing, Shivambu addressed his decision to leave the EFF, making it clear that it was not a vote of no confidence in the party. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he had within the EFF and requested to be released from all positions he held. “I will always cherish them, and I wish them full prosperity and success,” Shivambu stated.
The Move to MK Party
Shivambu’s resignation comes at a time of significant change within the South African political landscape. Alongside EFF MP Jimmy Manyi, Shivambu will be joining the MK Party, a move that Malema believes will be followed by others. The MK Party has confirmed that both Shivambu and Manyi will be deployed according to their strengths and expertise.
In a statement, the MK Party’s leadership expressed their excitement about the new additions: “We ask that all members of uMkhonto Wesizwe Party welcome these two progressive comrades as they begin to form part of driving the agenda of the revolution. We wish them well as they pick up the spear and continue the fight for the emancipation of the downtrodden and marginalized people in our country.”
Political Shifts and Future Leadership
The departure of Shivambu is not the only challenge facing the EFF. Just months ago, the party was dislodged as the third-largest political force in the country by the MK Party, which also became the official opposition in the National Assembly after the Democratic Alliance (DA) joined the government of national unity.
With the EFF due to elect new leadership in December, Malema confirmed that he would be standing for re-election. Shivambu had been expected to contest the deputy president position once again, while other prominent EFF members, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Marshall Dlamini, were set to go head-to-head for the secretary-general role.
Long-Standing Tensions
Insiders have long hinted at friction between Malema and Shivambu, a tension that may have played a role in Shivambu’s decision to leave the party. As the EFF’s first and only deputy president, Shivambu has been instrumental in shaping the party’s policies and strategies. He was also the driving force behind the popular EFF Student Command.
Controversy and Allegations
Shivambu’s departure also comes on the heels of serious allegations involving both him and Malema. Last month, the two were named in an affidavit by the former chairman of VBS Mutual Bank, Tshifhiwa Matodzi. The affidavit alleges that they were promised payments from VBS in exchange for not using the EFF’s political influence against the bank.
Shivambu, who is also the EFF’s chief whip in Parliament, is expected to resign from this position following his exit from the party.
