Johannesburg – The simmering feud between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and their former deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, has erupted into a full-blown public spat, complete with threats of leaked private messages and compromising videos.
The conflict, initially sparked by the departure of prominent EFF members to join Jacob Zuma's MK Party, has descended into a bitter exchange of accusations and personal attacks.
The latest salvo was fired by EFF MP Sinawo Tambo, who criticised advocate Dali Mpofu's comments upon leaving the EFF to join the MK Party. Tambo described Mpofu's statement as reflecting "a posture of individualism".
Mpofu, in an interview with the SABC, explained his decision, stating: “There was a time when former president Zuma and I were the only people who knew about this project of the formation of MK because we had discussed after the 2022 conference of the ANC what needed to be done. This discussion took about 12 months. After a lot of soul-searching, I have taken the decision that I will be joining the MK Party.”
Mpofu's involvement in establishing the MK Party while still a senior EFF leader has become a focal point of contention.
Tambo's critique of Mpofu's actions prompted a furious response from Shivambu, who threatened to release Tambo's resignation letter from the EFF.
“So you want us to produce your signed resignation letter from the EFF, CCT [central command team] and parliament or the resolution to remove you from structures? You want to cry again?” Shivambu challenged.
Tambo, however, remained defiant, countering Shivambu's threat with one of his own.
“Release such signed letters if they exist, don’t do it ngelinye ilanga [on another day]. You tried this with Sihle Lonzi [EFF Student Command president] and failed, it won’t work with me. I screenshot your threat when you text us drunk at 2am before you deleted it by the way. Once you are done, we will release the text messages between you and Johann Rupert and the videos with concubines which led to your divorce,” Tambo retorted.
This escalation marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict. Tambo's threat to expose private messages between Shivambu and South Africa's richest man Johann Rupert, along with tlof tlof videos allegedly linked to Shivambu's divorce, has injected a deeply personal element into the political dispute.
Tambo's accusations suggest a long-standing resentment towards Shivambu's perceived behaviour within the EFF. He claims that Shivambu consistently resorts to threats when challenged by younger members.
“Whenever the guy is defeated in politics by youth, he resorts to threat. We question the sincerity and ideological legitimacy of them joining what we know they politically do not believe in, and they resort to threats. He threatened president Sihle, then went into hiding when challenged. He now threatens us and when we show him we can play in the mud he creates, he retreats,” Tambo explained.
