EFF Secretary General Explains Floyd Shivambu’s Exit
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are gearing up for their third National People’s Assembly, a pivotal moment in the party’s trajectory. As the conference approaches, the spotlight has been on the resignation of Floyd Shivambu, the former deputy president of the party. The Secretary General of the EFF, Marshall Dlamini, recently addressed Shivambu’s exit, revealing insights into the internal dynamics leading up to this development.
The Context of Shivambu’s Resignation
According to Marshall Dlamini, Shivambu’s departure was a calculated move, a “pre-emptive strike” to avoid the embarrassment of failing to secure re-election at the upcoming conference. The EFF leadership had observed diminishing support for Shivambu within the party’s branches, signaling that his position was under threat.
Dlamini explained:
“Once they start hearing the branches speaking and don’t hear their names there, they start creating this environment, and that’s why some of them jump because they knew they weren’t going to make it to Nasrec.”
This sentiment underscores the challenges Shivambu faced in maintaining influence and credibility within the party.
Performance and Accountability
Dlamini did not hold back in his critique of Shivambu’s tenure. He highlighted the former deputy president’s failure to deliver on assigned tasks and his sub-par performance in various roles.
Shivambu’s inability to manage even modest responsibilities, such as overseeing a municipality of ten wards, was cited as a key factor in the party’s decision to strip him of certain duties. Dlamini remarked:
“Then we say leave national, leave province, leave region, go and just run a municipality of ten wards, and you fail to do that, then the organisation says you know what, just go stay at home, go enjoy your salary at home.”
This statement reflects the EFF’s demand for accountability and the high standards expected of its leadership.
The Larger Picture: High-Profile Departures
Shivambu’s resignation is not an isolated incident. The EFF has seen a wave of high-profile exits in 2024, including former party stalwarts Dali Mpofu, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Alfred Motsi, and Mpho Morolane. These leaders left the party to join Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, a shift that has raised questions about the EFF’s internal cohesion.
While critics have described the EFF as “bleeding members,” the party’s national spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, dismissed these claims. Instead, she emphasized that the upcoming conference would focus on the party’s performance over the past five years and develop strategies to accelerate electoral growth.
Elective Conference and the Road Ahead
The EFF’s third National People’s Assembly set to be held at Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg from December 12 to 15 is set to host 2,500 delegates and will play a critical role in shaping the party’s future. Key positions, including the deputy presidency, are up for grabs. Prominent names like Marshall Dlamini, Godrich Gardee, Vuyani Pambo, and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi have emerged as potential contenders.
Mathys clarified that nominations for leadership roles would only be confirmed during the conference:
“It is only in that moment, during the nomination process itself, that we will know.”
The conference also seeks to address the wave of resignations and rebuild the party’s leadership structure. This process is crucial for the EFF as it strives to regain momentum and fortify its position in South Africa’s political landscape.
Floyd Shivambu’s exit marks a significant moment for the EFF, reflecting both internal challenges and the party’s commitment to high-performance standards. As the EFF navigates these turbulent times, the upcoming elective conference will be pivotal in determining its leadership and direction.
While Shivambu’s departure signals a shift in the party’s dynamics, it also opens the door for new leaders to emerge and potentially steer the EFF toward greater unity and electoral success. The results of the National People’s Assembly will undoubtedly shape the future of the red berets in South Africa’s political arena.
