Mbuyiseni Ndlozi Extends Olive Branch to New EFF Leadership Amidst Internal Strife

After a noticeable period of reticence, Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a pivotal figure within South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has made a public statement addressing the party's new leadership. This comes amid speculations surrounding his ongoing role and relationships within the party. On 16 December 2024, through a post on his verified X account, Ndlozi extended his congratulations to five of the top six newly-elected leaders of the EFF, pointedly excluding Julius Malema, the party's charismatic and controversial president.

Ndlozi’s message read, “Congratulations to the newly elected leadership. We wish them strength and wisdom. Remember the duty to always conduct ourselves honestly and honourably in dealing with the EFF and the broader public. May you lead us all with dignity! Asinamona, Asinanzondo, Phila Ngonaphakade EFF! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I wish you all economic freedom in our lifetime!” This statement, imbued with a tone of unity and forward-looking optimism, was met with considerable engagement on social media, with many of his supporters expressing relief and support after his weeks of silence.

The backdrop to this statement involves reported tensions within the EFF following the departure of influential party member Floyd Shivambu, who moved to Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Ndlozi's knowledge of Shivambu’s departure and failure to inform Malema purportedly added to internal fractures. Moreover, during the EFF’s critical National People’s Assembly in Soweto from December 13-15, 2024, Ndlozi was notably absent and reportedly excluded from the party’s Central Command Team (CCT), signaling a potential sidelining in the party’s future strategic directions.

This public congratulations post can be seen as Ndlozi’s attempt to maintain a high road amidst the swirling internal politics. His omission of Malema from the congratulations might hint at deeper personal and political rifts that have yet not been publicly acknowledged by either party. This incident raises questions about the future dynamics within the EFF, one of South Africa’s most vocal and dynamic political entities pushing for radical economic transformation.

As this story unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how these relationships within the EFF leadership evolve and what implications they might hold for the party's cohesion and its political agenda at a time when South Africa faces significant economic and social challenges.