Johannesburg – Floyd Shivambu's dramatic departure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has shaken South Africa's politics, leaving many wondering about the real reasons behind his decision and his sudden allegiance to former President Jacob Zuma's MK Party.
While the announcement of Shivambu as the MK Party's national organiser came as a surprise to many, insiders reveal a carefully orchestrated plan that ultimately took an unexpected turn.
Shivambu, the former EFF deputy president, had been planning his exit for some time, disillusioned with the current state of South African politics.
"This disillusionment was a significant driving force behind his decision to leave the EFF," confided a close associate.
Shivambu intended to make his move public at the EFF's national conference in December, declining nomination for a leadership position and announcing his departure from the party. He was even planning to take a political sabbatical, reflecting on his future and starting a national dialogue to address the state of South African politics.
"Floyd was planning to ignite a fire of political debate and allow people to burn their political differences to build a stronger black progressive caucus and prepare for the 2029 elections," shared another source with intimate knowledge of Shivambu's plans.
However, the allure of a fresh political path proved irresistible earlier than anticipated. While Shivambu's discussions with the MK Party came as a "shock" to the party's leaders, the offer of significant responsibilities and influence proved too enticing to resist.
Interestingly, Shivambu did not encourage EFF members to follow him, suggesting a desire for a clean break and a different vision for his future.
"Floyd seems to suggest that something personal happened to him that forced him to leave EFF and join MK, but nobody knows what happened," added another source.
The MK Party, recognizing Shivambu's strategic value, has given him substantial powers to shape the party's structure and ideological direction. This rapid ascension underscores their eagerness to leverage his experience and substantial political network.
But the back story adds another layer of intrigue. A senior ANC leader revealed that Shivambu was considered for a ministerial position in President Cyril Ramaphosa's government of national unity, provided the EFF agreed to join the multiparty coalition formed after the May 29 elections.
These discussions date back to 2017, indicating long-standing efforts to integrate EFF members like Shivambu and EFF president Julius Malema into Ramaphosa's cabinet. According to a source with intimate details of the talks, Malema could have become the minister of minerals and energy if the plan had come to fruition.
However, the anti-EFF faction of hardliners within the ANC thwarted these plans, and subsequent negotiations between the ANC and EFF for the government of national unity faltered, leading to the DA becoming the ANC's preferred partner.
Shivambu's immediate future in the MK Party involves an extensive familiarisation tour.
"He will spend the next month engaging with party structures across the country, listening to convenors at various levels," said a source in the party.
This period is crucial for Shivambu to understand the internal dynamics of the party and prepare a comprehensive action plan. Only after laying the groundwork will Shivambu articulate his strategic plan to advance the MK Party's objectives.
Meanwhile, Bongani Mdakane reports that former president of the EFF Student Command Sihle Lonzi has published on social media what appears to be a war of words between him and Shivambu over the latter's decision to leave the EFF.
