Turmoil in the South African Political Landscape: Malema Sheds Light on Mpofu and Zuma’s Alleged Plans

The South African political panorama is currently a hotbed of strategic maneuvering and surprising alliances, as disclosed by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. Recent events have come to light about discussions that took place prior to the EFF becoming South Africa’s third-largest party. According to Malema, talks existed concerning a potential coalition of several political entities under the collective leadership of former president Jacob Zuma, including those that now form the foundation of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party.

This bombshell revelation surfaced in a podcast where Malema cited a significant presentation made by Dali Mpofu, a former EFF member who has recently announced his new political home with the MK party. Malema contends that Mpofu made a robust case for dissolving the EFF and other smaller parties, like the African Transformation Movement (ATM), United Democratic Movement (UDM), and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), to unify under Zuma's guidance. This notion was, however, firmly rejected by then EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who, as per Malema’s account, was astounded by Mpofu’s meticulous proposal.

Mpofu has since refrained from commenting directly on these claims but has not outright denied them. Instead, he recapped his active role in the clandestine meetings with Zuma and leaders from ten political formations that aimed at consolidating "progressive forces" from various parties, including the ANC, EFF, and now the MK.

Meetings called and addressed by Zuma have been confirmed by various politicos like PAC spokesman Jacki Seroke, who articulated the PAC’s reservations about joining a grievance-driven offshoot without clear policy direction. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa also acknowledged his attendance at such a meeting in September 2023, but disputed claims on proposed mergers, particularly with the EFF.

Malema’s narrative includes a veritable political ballet involving different propositions to merge or aggregate parties. Yet, it was Zuma’s response that was decisive, ostensibly discounting the potential for cross-generational appeal in merging with the EFF.

In spite of these negotiations and attempts allegedly made by both Mpofu and Zuma to sway Malema, the EFF leader held steadfast against dissolving or mixing his party with another, discussing these matters again after the elections if at all. Not long after, the MK party officially gone public, enlisting a number of former EFF leaders like Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, with Mpofu being the latest high-profile exit.

The creation of the MK party, and its rise to become the country’s third-largest political player, clearly reshapes the political landscape. It is not yet clear what role Mpofu will play within the new structure, given the recent resignation of Sifiso Maseko, and potential talk of Mpofu possibly stepping into the position as secretary-general.

One thing is certain in this saga; there’s a glean of strategic discord at the highest echelons of South African party politics. With the landscape ever-shifting and the plot thickening following the elections, the public and political aficionados alike are left to wonder what the future holds for South Africa’s vibrant political scene.