Political Chess: Shivambu and Zuma Unite Amidst VBS Scandal Fallout

In a strategic move that has turned heads across South Africa's political scene, Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, has cozied up to the MK party allied with ex-president Jacob Zuma. This political pivot comes in the wake of the VBS Mutual Bank scandal that saw both Shivambu and Zuma reap questionable financial windfalls.

Though united by controversial gain, their collaboration within the MK party, which holds a significant presence in Parliament, stems from a need to consolidate power at a time when both their reputations are under scrutiny. With 58 seats under its belt, the MK party provides a platform for Shivambu to continue his political journey as he faces waning influence within the EFF.

While Shivambu has refocused his revolutionary campaign, the justice system is inching closer to cornering the implicated figures from the VBS debacle. Shivambu’s brother, Brian Shivambu, also remains entangled in the scandal – a factor that may complicate Shivambu's political aspirations.

Jimmy Manyi's transition from the EFF to the MK party alongside Shivambu underscores the perceived shift in influence and possible formation of new coalitions. Manyi, a persistent political figure, seems to follow the currents of power as they ebb and flow.

In the meantime, KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as a fertile ground for political endeavors following the departure of Vusi Khoza from the EFF. The fallout within the EFF has cast a spotlight on provincial politics and how they'll shape the party's future. Khoza—once a driving force behind the EFF's expansion in the region—has now aligned with the MK party, bolstering its presence in the area.

Shivambu’s redeployment to mop up the fallout in KwaZulu-Natal didn't meet expectations, prompting EFF's leader, Julius Malema, to reconsider strategies for the province. Shivambu’s failure to engage the base at the party’s manifesto launch has led to his subsequent reassignment to the Eastern Cape, revealing cracks in the EFF’s armor as it approaches future elections.

The political landscape appears increasingly volatile as parties reassess alliances and strategies heading toward the critical 2024 elections. What's certain is the importance of KwaZulu-Natal as a battleground state and the overarching influence of the VBS scandal on the political careers of those entangled in its web.

In a climate where history and scandal intersect with political ambition, figures like Shivambu carve out their paths, anticipating the long-term ramifications of their actions. As the wheels of justice continue to spin and the political gameboard reshuffles, all eyes will be on the key players dancing around the VBS elephant in the room.