Whispers of a significant shift in South African politics are growing louder, with three separate sources within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) confirming that prominent MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is poised to leave the party.
The cracks in the relationship between Malema and Ndlozi have been evident for some time, with speculation reaching fever pitch following Ndlozi's decision to skip the NPA – the party's internal elections – last week. This absence, coupled with Ndlozi's removal of his EFF MP banner from his X account, has fuelled intense speculation about his imminent departure.
"We have known for a long time that Ndlozi is planning to dump the EFF in favour of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). That is what led to the strained relationship between him and the party leader, Julius Malema. Their relationship is now irreparable," revealed an EFF leader in KwaZulu-Natal.
The fallout between the two high-profile figures is particularly significant given Ndlozi's long-standing prominence within the EFF. He served as the party's spokesperson for an extended period, becoming a recognisable face and a key figure since the party's formation in 2013.
In the lead-up to the NPA, Ndlozi's supporters actively campaigned for him to contest the position of deputy president, a role vacated by Floyd Shivambu after his move to the MKP in August. However, it's understood that Malema secretly backed Godrich Gardee, who ultimately secured the position.
Malema himself addressed the speculation during a media briefing, adopting a dismissive tone: “We are not going to answer the question about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. You have got his number, and some of you talk to him. We are not responsible for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. Ninety percent of the people who were to be here are here. That is what matters. Whoever is not here was not supposed to be here, and it is not in our interest to entertain such nonsense.”
The potential departure of Ndlozi comes at a time of considerable political flux for the EFF. The party experienced a decline in electoral support in the May elections, losing five seats in the National Assembly (dropping from 44 to 39) and six seats in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature (falling from eight to two).
Independent political analyst Thobani Zikalala commented on the situation: ”It will not be a surprise if Ndlozi leaves the EFF. But maybe if he leaves now and goes to the MK Party, it would confirm what Julius has been saying that many would be following Floyd to the MK Party. It would be a big loss to the party. He is one of the senior leaders in the EFF and the first spokesperson of the party.”
Zikalala further highlighted Ndlozi's significant influence within the party: “He has mass appeal, and he is one of the most lovable EFF leaders. He seems to have a relationship with the ground forces of the party. He offers intellectual credence and credibility to the EFF.”
Despite repeated attempts, neither EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys nor Ndlozi himself could be reached for comment. MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela also responded, stating: “Unfortunately I’m not aware of this information nor any talks of that nature.”
The political landscape remains in a state of anticipation as the potential shift in allegiances unfolds.