The political landscape in South Africa took a dramatic turn last week when Floyd Shivambu, the deputy president and co-founder of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), announced his resignation from the party.
The news has left many wondering what the future holds for the EFF, a party that has become a significant force in South African politics.
Shivambu, known for his sharp intellect and ideological clarity, has been a key figure in the EFF since its inception in 2013. He has often been seen as the party's "brains" while Julius Malema, the party's charismatic leader, provided the fiery rhetoric.
Shivambu's resignation letter, addressed to Malema, revealed his decision to not renew his membership of the EFF in Ward 44, Johannesburg, and to step down from all positions within the party, including his role as Member of Parliament. He also requested to be released from his parliamentary position, a decision that will be subject to the EFF's approval.
The news of Shivambu's departure came as a surprise to many, especially considering his long-standing relationship with Malema. However, it appears that tensions have been simmering beneath the surface for some time, with differences in political direction and leadership style emerging as key points of contention.
The friction between the two leaders has been evident for more than a year, with Shivambu reportedly wanting to take over from Malema, who has been in charge of the party since its founding. Insiders have described Malema's leadership style as "dictatorial", a sentiment echoed by those who are unhappy with his decision to fire members of Parliament to make space for well-known personalities.
Following the May 2024 elections, Malema further fuelled these tensions by stating that EFF lawmakers from constituencies where the party underperformed would be fired. This move, coupled with his unwavering stance that he would remain the party leader for the foreseeable future, likely contributed to Shivambu's decision to resign.
"I am not going anywhere," Malema declared shortly after the elections. "If President Zuma can do it at 82, it means that you are going to wait for me until I’m 82 because I will be here." He also indicated that he would not tolerate any challengers: "I am in charge here, I’m not here to play."
In his letter, Shivambu stressed that his decision was not a vote of no confidence in the EFF, but rather a "revolutionary act" that would allow him to work towards the agenda of progressive and revolutionary change alongside other forces. He also emphasized his unwavering commitment to economic emancipation and Marxist-Leninist ideology.
Shivambu's departure has left a significant void in the EFF, a party that has already been facing challenges in recent months. The party's support dropped in the May 2024 elections, falling from 11.36% in 2019 to 9.77%, leading to its demotion from the third to the fourth largest party in the country. The emergence of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which has quickly gained traction, has added to the EFF's woes.
The EFF's upcoming elective conference in December is likely to be a crucial moment for the party. Shivambu's resignation has raised questions about the party's future, and the conference will be a test of its resilience and ability to navigate this turbulent period.
Malema, in his characteristically fiery style, has vowed that the EFF will overcome this challenge. He has stated that the party will have to pass this test, or it will have to die. He has also expressed his belief that the EFF will remain a formidable force in South African politics, despite the loss of its deputy president.
Malema has also addressed the possibility of other members following Shivambu's lead, acknowledging that some may be loyal to the departing deputy president. However, he has emphasized that the EFF will not be deterred by these departures and will continue its fight for economic freedom.
Shivambu has served as the party's deputy president since its inception in 2013.
Below is Shivambu's full resignation letter:
Greetings Comrade President,
The Chairperson of Ward 44 Johannesburg has informed me that my membership of the EFF has lapsed. Please be informed that I will not renew my membership of the EFF in Ward 44 which is one of the best performing Wards of the EFF in Johannesburg region. I also request to resign my position as Member of Parliament and all positions I hold in the EFF. I will only do so after receiving a go ahead from the organisation because it is the EFF that deployed me to Parliament.
I cherish and appreciate the work that we collectively did in the EFF and building a formidable organisation. I believe the aspirations and vision contained in the Organisational Redesign document of the EFF can still be achieved. My non renewal of membership of the EFF is not a vote of no confidence in the organisation, but a revolutionary act that will allow Progressive Forces to unite and work towards the agenda for progressive and revolutionary change.
I have never in my service of the organisation acted outside its democratic and revolutionary decisions, discipline and practice. I have served with humility and discipline. I will never abandon the cause for economic emancipation and true freedom in our lifetime. I will never compromise my commitment to true emancipation and Marxist Leninist ideological lenses to view and understand society.
I will not do or say anything that compromises the integrity of an organisation that we collectively founded. My sincere plea is that the in its reflection of the decision I have taken, the organisation should also avoid slander and mischaracterisation of an otherwise revolutionary and disciplined decision to not renew the membership and request to be released from other functions I am deployed to. I am available to talk about the details of how we should collectively communicate the decision publicly so that it does not affect the integrity of the organisation.
We have over the years played an important role in shaping the politics of South Africa and the continent. We have all played our parts progressively and have no doubt that we will continue to do so. I firmly believe that political decisions should never be personalized and treated as betray of the cause and of individuals. You are my brother and comrade and will always cherish the contributions we made in our lives during the struggle for economic emancipation.
I wish the EFF full prosperity and success and wish that all the Commissars and Ground Forces will accept the very difficult decision I have taken. The struggle and war for economic freedom will never be compromised by any individual decision. It has been ingrained in the hearts and minds of many people in South Africa and the entire continent.
Revolutionary regards and God Bless,
Nyiko Floyd Shivambu
Copied: Secretary General Commissar Marshall Dlamini and Central Command Team
