A brewing leadership crisis within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has reached its tipping point, leading to the departure of Floyd Shivambu, one of the party’s most prominent figures.
Insiders suggest that Shivambu’s exit was fueled by feelings of betrayal and disrespect at the hands of EFF leader Julius Malema, during high-stakes negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC). This article explores the origins of the rift, the role of the newly formed MK Party, and the potential implications for South Africa’s political landscape.
The Unraveling of a Political Alliance
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Floyd Shivambu, the party’s former deputy president, has parted ways with his long-time ally and EFF leader, Julius Malema. The relationship between the two, once the bedrock of the party’s leadership, has deteriorated amid accusations of betrayal, disrespect, and secretive maneuvering during critical negotiations with the ANC.
Sources within the EFF, ANC, and the newly formed MK Party revealed that the fallout was largely fueled by the scramble for influential positions in the Government of National Unity (GNU). Shivambu, who had been in negotiations for the role of deputy finance minister, was blindsided when Malema, unbeknownst to him, made direct contact with President Cyril Ramaphosa to demand the position of second deputy president for himself and the deputy speakership for another party member.
“Floyd felt deeply disrespected by Julius because, while he was engaged in negotiations on one front, Julius was busy undercutting him by going directly to the ANC president,” revealed a source close to the EFF leadership. This perceived betrayal was a bitter pill for Shivambu to swallow, especially as he had been positioning himself for a key role within the GNU.
Shivambu’s Grievances: A Tale of Betrayal
Shivambu’s resentment towards Malema began to build when he discovered that Malema had scuppered the EFF’s prospects of joining the GNU, a move that would have seen him secure the deputy finance minister position. The EFF’s decision to pull out of the GNU talks, allegedly due to Malema’s concerns over his own ego, led to the eventual collapse of the negotiations, leaving Shivambu feeling betrayed and sidelined.
“What happened is that Floyd felt undermined and disrespected by Julius,” said an insider. This sentiment was further exacerbated when Shivambu learned that Malema had engaged in secret discussions with President Ramaphosa, demanding high-ranking positions within the GNU without his knowledge.
The fallout between the two has dealt a significant blow to the EFF, which already faced challenges following a poor performance in the May elections. The end of the Malema-Shivambu alliance, once one of the most notable political partnerships in South Africa, has left the party grappling with its future direction.
The MK Party’s Intervention
As the rift between Malema and Shivambu widened, external forces quickly moved to capitalize on the situation. Former President Jacob Zuma, along with other leaders of the newly formed MK Party, saw an opportunity to bring Shivambu into their fold. The MK Party, which is positioning itself as a formidable force in South African politics, reportedly promised Shivambu the position of party president in their upcoming national conference.
In this new political arrangement, Shivambu was expected to lead the MK Party, with John Holpe, the current MK Party leader, serving as his deputy. Zuma, who was also involved in the discussions, was slated to take on a less demanding role as the party’s national chair, a position more suited to his advanced age.
Despite these enticing offers, Shivambu has publicly denied that his decision to join the MK Party was driven by the promise of high-ranking positions. “I did not join the MK Party for positions. I am an ordinary member and will remain an ordinary member,” Shivambu asserted, attempting to dispel rumors that his defection was motivated by personal ambition.
Julius Malema’s Silence
While Shivambu’s departure has dominated headlines, Julius Malema has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. Insiders suggest that Malema is focused on maintaining unity within the EFF, attempting to prevent further defections and manage the fallout from the leadership crisis.
When approached for comment, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula downplayed the significance of the rift, stating that no specific positions were discussed with the EFF during the GNU talks. However, this narrative has been contested by those familiar with the negotiations, who insist that the ANC was eager to bring Shivambu on board as one of the deputy finance ministers—a position that ultimately went to the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Malema’s inner circle has defended him, arguing that his actions were in the best interest of the party and that Shivambu’s departure was a personal decision unrelated to the GNU negotiations. However, the silence from Malema himself has left many questions unanswered, fueling speculation about the true extent of the rift within the EFF.
The Future of the EFF
The departure of Floyd Shivambu marks a significant turning point for the EFF, raising questions about the party’s future and its ability to navigate the challenges ahead. With Shivambu now aligned with the MK Party, the EFF faces the prospect of losing one of its most influential voices and the potential for further internal divisions.
For Malema, the immediate challenge is to hold the party together while fending off potential rivals within his own ranks. The longer-term implications of this leadership crisis will likely play out in the months to come, as both the EFF and the MK Party seek to solidify their positions in South Africa’s evolving political landscape.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the EFF can recover from this setback or if the departure of Shivambu will mark the beginning of a new chapter in South African politics—one in which the EFF’s dominance is challenged by a rising MK Party led by a disillusioned former ally.
The story was originally posted in the Sunday Times on the link below
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