Floyd Shivambu joins Zuma’s MK party

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu has announced his official resignation from the party.

Shivambu announced the decision during an urgent press briefing on Thursday at Winne Madikizela Mandela House, the party’s headquarters in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.

After intense speculation, he confirmed he had joined former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

He said he did not have a specific position “or promise” from that party and only wanted to serve.

“It is a decision that I have taken and I believe it will add value to the progressive forces in South Africa”.

He was joined by Mzwanele Manyi.

The red berets have reportedly been rocked by challenges following the recent national and provincial elections in May. The party was dealt a blow with the formation of the MK party pushing the EFF to the fourth most popular party in the country.

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Malema’s ‘pain’

Malema said the pain of watching Shivambu leave the party was similar to the heartbreak he felt at the death of his mother. The pair founded the party in 2013.

“When he sent me a letter yesterday, I felt the same pain as when I received the news of the passing away of my mother. Floyd to me is not just a comrade. He is a brother. He will remain a brother, even when he pursues his political career differently”.

While the EFF’s constitution does not allow members to return once they have left, Malema said the door was open for Shivambu to come back if he wanted.

“You are not a member, you are a founder of this political party. You are not an enemy”.

Malema said he accepted the resignation of Shivambu.

“I have made an offer to Floyd to come back to the party, the constitution doesn’t allow for anyone to come back but I’ve made this open to him. There are many others who will leave who are loyal to the deputy President. This is a testing moment for the EFF.

“Individuals will leave the organization but the organization must still stand. Even beyond me,” Malema said.

Tensions

There has reportedly been “simmering tensions” between Malema and Shivambu.

In July last year, Shivambu dismissed claims that there were divisions brewing between him and Malema saying they are “blood brothers”.

Last month, the former chairman of the Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank Tshifhiwa Matodzi implicated Malema and Shivambu in dodgy dealings in connection with the looting of R16.1m from the struggling bank.

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