EFF ‘imploding’ just weeks before conference: Has Zuma pulled the rug under Malema’s feet?

Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) has described the departure of several high-ranking leaders of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as an “implosion” of the party.

On Thursday morning, South Africans woke to the news of the EFF’s former chairperson Dali Mpofu resigning to join the MK party.

He follows several high-ranking EFF officials, including party co-founder Floyd Shivambu, who have left the red berets.

ALSO READ: Dali Mpofu quits EFF, joins Jacob Zuma’s MK party

Speaking to The Citizen on Thursday, Breakfast said the EFF is facing an existential threat.  

“This is an implosion of the EFF. I can say that I could see this coming.”

Bittersweet relationship between MK party and EFF

He said he believes that while EFF leader Julius Malema was trying to weave relations with the MK party, Jacob Zuma was already recruiting from within the EFF.

“Remember that the EFF led the pay back the money campaign in parliament against President Jacob Zuma.

“They thought Zuma was not holding a grudge.”

Breakfast said there are indications that Mpofu had been engaging with the MK party for months.

“When you look at that interview, Dali does say he was involved in the conceptualisation of the MK party,” he said.

Two leaders remaining in EFF

Meanwhile, Malema showed a brave face on social media platform X on Thursday morning after the news of Mpofu’s plans to leave the EFF.

He said he expects two more EFF leaders to go.

“Only two more of your favourites remain, and the list will be finalised.”

Only two more of your favourites remain, and the list will be finalised. They sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll calls, but remember, their souls are long gone. To prevent any potential hurt, it’s crucial to heed the guidance of the…

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) November 7, 2024

Malema gave a clue as to whom these leaders could be.

“They sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll calls but remember their souls are long gone.”

Malema said the EFF will remain standing and will not go anywhere “under a criminal syndicate”.

There have appeared to be instances of tension between Malema and Ndlozi since the departure of some leaders in the EFF.

During an EFF gathering in Soweto this year, Malema threw what seemed like a veiled attack at Ndlozi and his wife. He also accused some members of not defending the party in times of trouble.

Ndlozi could be next to go

University of South Africa politics lecturer Dirk Kotze said he believes Ndlozi will be the next to leave the party.

“It seems that he (Ndlozi) has reached the ceiling in the party and could be the next one to leave,” Kotze told The Citizen.

Kotze said it is clear that the EFF is in disarray, just weeks before its elective conference in December.

“From an organisational point of view, they are in disarray. But I think they will be able to have their congress.”

Kotze said the exodus of senior leaders does not necessarily mean that the party’s branches are also disgruntled.

EFF leadership crisis

However, he criticised Malema for a number of decisions that reflected a negative style of leadership.

He said there is a possibility that Malema could remain the party’s leader at the end of the elective conference.

Malema has already served two terms as president.

“He is not the only one who has done this. Prince Buthelezi of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has done it and the leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Bantu Holomisa has done it.”

ALSO READ: Mkhwebane joins MK party but denies it is poaching EFF members