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Fractured Front: Zuma and Malema's Feud Disrupts Radical Left Unity in South African Politics

Published November 16, 2024
3 months ago

The escalating conflict between two of South Africa's political heavyweights, Jacob Zuma of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has cast a long shadow over the possibility of a unified radical left force capable of challenging the current Government of National Unity (GNU). This sentiment echoes the concerns of various political experts who assess the shifting alliances and internal dynamics within the country's political left wing.





The Anti-GNU faction's strength within the African National Congress (ANC) has been described as too nominal to pose a serious threat against the coalition government, which includes the Democratic Alliance (DA). This is compounded by the defection of notable figures from the EFF to MK, such as Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and Dali Mpofu, with others rumored to follow, which visibly agitates Malema's calculated political scheming.


The notion of MK and EFF as a combined radical leftist power challenging the GNU has been severely weakened according to Dr. Sam Koma, a political economist. What was once a unified front now seems to be splintered, with the possibility of a larger defection to the GNU, even from historical opponents like the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).


The eyes now turn to the National General Council in 2025 which will be a litmus test for the anti-GNU faction's real clout within the ANC. Daniel Silke, a political analyst, refutes the idea of a populist leftist surge unless a reconciliation occurs between the splintered parties. Silke posits that a prominent radical left is unlikely to materialize unless organizations such as MK and EFF can bridge the divide and present a united challenge to the ruling parties. These divisions are detrimental to the groups' expansion plans and might catalyze the rise of a moderate left, possibly detached from the ANC - potentially a unionist-driven group.


Silke also cast doubts on MK's stability and its success in transcending its predominantly Zulu support base. Further speculation surrounds the MK's future should Jacob Zuma depart from his leadership role, signaling possible internal power struggles.


Conversely, Malema has succeeded in maintaining a strong hierarchical structure within the EFF. President Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership within the ANC as part of the GNU also faces its own challenges, including his alliance with the DA.


According to policy analyst Dr. Nkosikhulule Nyembezi, the current political climate is ripe for the growth of a radical left. However, questions remain on the viability and strategy of such a movement. Debates rage over whether this should be done quickly and through formal pathways, or by fostering grassroots activism to secure broad-based voter confidence over a stretched timeline.


The future of South Africa’s radical left is, thus, clouded in uncertainty. As the political landscape continues to shift, so does the calculus for hopeful political movements looking to make an impact in the country’s future elections.


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