The internal strife within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has spilled into public view, as party spokesperson Sinawo Thambo mounts a scathing counterattack against former spokesperson and popular party figure, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. The tension between Thambo’s loyalty to the EFF and the public perception of Ndlozi as a sidelined victim has triggered a social media storm, putting the party’s internal politics on full display.
Persona vs Movement: The Fight for the EFF’s Integrity
Thambo’s recent posts on X (formerly Twitter) suggest a clear indictment: the EFF’s ideology and unity are being compromised by what he perceives as a manipulation of individual personas against the collective. Thambo accused Ndlozi, though not directly named, of allowing his silence to fuel a narrative that paints the EFF as a villain in an orchestrated public campaign. In one of his posts, Thambo wrote:
“If as a person you are being used as a vehicle to undermine the integrity of the EFF, you must speak. What you say is neither here nor there, but there is no honor in creating a perception that you are a victim.”
This statement seems targeted at the ongoing portrayal of Ndlozi as a victim of internal sabotage, particularly following rumors of his exclusion from the party’s upcoming elective conference. Thambo’s challenge is pointed: why stay silent while the movement that gave you a platform is dragged through the mud in your name?
The Silence of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi: Complicity or Caution?
Ndlozi, once a vibrant and vocal face of the EFF, has been conspicuously quiet amid the turmoil, leading Thambo to assert that silence is becoming complicity. Thambo’s frustration is palpable as he questions why Ndlozi remains mute while his name is allegedly being weaponized against the party:
“Our organization cannot be dragged through the mud daily in your name and you keep quiet as if you have no capacity to talk. Silence at times becomes complicity.”
Thambo’s rhetoric makes it clear: his allegiance lies with the EFF, even if it means going against a former ally. “I love him too, but I love the EFF more,” he declared, drawing a line in the sand between personal relationships and organizational loyalty.
Infiltration Allegations: Thambo Speaks of Moles and Propaganda
Thambo’s posts also hint at a deeper issue within the EFF: the presence of individuals he accuses of acting as “moles” for anti-EFF propaganda. Responding to a report by Sunday World that cited “deep throats” within the party, Thambo expressed disdain for those who he believes are feeding the media with information designed to undermine the movement:
“The Sunday World refers to its sources as ‘deep throats’ as ‘moles.’ I would be ashamed of myself if I was a mole of anti-EFF propaganda. Silent when the movement is under attack, but vocal in corners to undermine the public standing of the party.”
The language Thambo uses is strikingly aggressive, painting a picture of betrayal and manipulation from within. He suggests that there are individuals who once dismissed the EFF’s prospects but now seek to exit the party with a bang, positioning themselves as victims in a bid to generate public sympathy.
Taking on the SABC: Thambo Slams Tabloid Journalism
The clash escalated further when the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) aired a segment questioning the alleged barring of Ndlozi from the EFF’s elective conference. Thambo did not hold back, accusing the public broadcaster of engaging in “tabloid gossip” rather than credible journalism. Responding directly to the SABC’s report, he tweeted:
“The EFF is not representative of individual interests and does not answer to nonsense. It’s a pathetic question that does not come from EFF membership, and the EFF owes no one any answer for tabloid gossip.”
Thambo’s anger at the SABC reflects a broader frustration with what he sees as the media’s role in amplifying narratives that are damaging to the EFF. He asserts that any claims regarding party membership or disciplinary actions should be addressed through official party channels, not through speculative media reports fed by unnamed sources.
The Battle Ahead: Public Perception vs Party Unity
Thambo’s aggressive defense of the EFF and his pointed remarks towards Ndlozi and the media highlight the growing tension within the party’s ranks. While Ndlozi’s silence may be seen as a strategic decision to avoid escalating the conflict, Thambo’s vocal stance suggests a readiness to take the gloves off and confront any perceived threats to the party head-on.
In his final plea, Thambo hinted at a potential breaking of the party’s own silence on internal matters, indicating that if manipulation persists, the EFF might have no choice but to speak out openly:
“Perhaps our silence is too honorable, perhaps it is time for us to speak because the people’s movement must never suffer at the hands of manipulation.”
The coming days may reveal whether this internal rift will be mended behind closed doors or if it will continue to play out in the public eye, challenging the EFF’s image as a united front. As Thambo has made clear, the fight is no longer just about individuals—it’s about the very soul of the movement.
