Malema's Firm Stance on Ndlozi Questions at EFF Conference

During the ongoing third national people’s assembly of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Soweto, leader Julius Malema made it clear to the media that questions about the absent head of political education, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, were unwelcome. The conference, a significant event in the party's calendar, saw the absence of Ndlozi, who has been a subject of controversy within the party ranks.

Malema's irritation stemmed from ongoing speculation regarding Ndlozi's loyalty and his conspicuous absence from the party's major gathering. "He’s not here, and it’s not in our interest to entertain such nonsense," Malema expressed candidly, sidelining what he considered distractions from the party's broader goals.

The issues around Ndlozi began surfacing after reports emerged that he was barred from party activities due to suspicions about his loyalty, particularly his connections with former deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who has since joined another political faction. This internal discord reached the public when some EFF members accused Ndlozi of failing to defend the party during critical times, specifically when facing membership poaching from rival groups.

Despite these tensions, Malema in a previous address reassured that Ndlozi was still a valid and active member of the EFF, encouraging members to disregard rumors and focus on the solidarity and objectives of the party.

EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini also echoed this sentiment in a media briefing, emphasizing that the assembly was centered around the collective membership and not individual figures, regardless of their standing within the party. "We've got 2,500 delegates here; it starts and ends there," Dlamini declared, signaling a move to shift focus back to the party's agenda and away from individual dramas.

Furthermore, Malema addressed the question of whether individuals could contest elections in absentia. Clearing up any misconceptions, he confirmed that members could still participate in electoral processes through written submissions, thus maintaining their engagement with the party’s democratic processes despite not being physically present.

This strong stance by the EFF leadership underscores their intention to foster a unifying front at the assembly and in broader party activities, sidelining internal rifts and external speculations that could detract from their strategic objectives.