"'FIRED' EFF Spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi breaks silence after 'being barred from attending party conference

JOHANNESBURG – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) concluded its 3rd National People’s Assembly (NPA) in Nasrec, Johannesburg, last weekend, but the event was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of former spokesperson and Member of Parliament, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

Ndlozi, a founding member of the party, was reportedly barred from attending the conference, a decision that has sparked intense speculation and internal divisions within the EFF. His silence, broken only by a brief message on X, has done little to quell the controversy.

In a post on X, Ndlozi offered his congratulations to the newly elected leadership, writing: “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 & Happy New Year to everyone! I wish you all economic freedom in our lifetime!”

This message, however, failed to address the elephant in the room: his exclusion from the conference and the reasons behind it.

The exclusion of Ndlozi, who failed to secure a seat on the party's powerful 80-member Central Command Team (CCT), the highest decision-making body between conferences, came amidst a backdrop of increasing tension between him and EFF leader Julius Malema. During a media briefing on Saturday, Malema referred to Ndlozi as being driven by "egoism," asserting that the organisation was "bigger than all of them."

He bluntly stated: "He is not here. It's not in our interests to entertain such nonsense. The organisation will show them that it's bigger than all of them.” This statement, delivered with characteristic force, effectively shut down any further discussion about Ndlozi's absence.

The NPA itself saw a high turnout of delegates, with EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini reporting a 90% attendance rate – 2 026 out of 2 243 expected voting delegates. Dlamini attributed the remaining absences to personal reasons such as funerals and traditional ceremonies. He highlighted the significance of this turnout, stating that even a 65% attendance rate is usually considered a success. However, the absence of Ndlozi, a prominent figure within the party, cast a long shadow over these positive statistics.

Reports leading up to the conference suggested attempts by delegates from Gauteng, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape to raise concerns about Ndlozi's absence were swiftly dismissed by members of the CCT. Insiders revealed that some EFF members even attempted to push for Ndlozi's nomination for a top position, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The tension surrounding Ndlozi’s situation was palpable, a stark contrast to the party's carefully cultivated image of unity.

The controversy surrounding Ndlozi's absence goes back further. Last month, reports suggested that his future within the EFF was already uncertain following the party's decision to bar him from attending key meetings, including crucial CCT and national executive committee meetings. The party maintained a stony silence regarding the reasons for his exclusion, fueling speculation and internal dissent.

The reported rift between Ndlozi and Malema reportedly stems from allegations that Ndlozi was aware of former deputy president Floyd Shivambu's decision to join the Mkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans' Association (MKP) but failed to inform the EFF leadership. Malema also implied that Ndlozi had failed to adequately defend the party during periods of attack. This, coupled with Ndlozi's failure to secure a position on the CCT, leaves his future role within the party uncertain.

Despite the controversy, the NPA proceeded, electing a new top six leadership: Julius Malema (president), Godrich Gardee (deputy president), Marshall Dlamini (secretary-general), Leigh-Ann Mathys (deputy secretary-general), Nontando Nolutshungu (national chairwoman), and Omphile Maotwe (treasurer-general). Malema, re-elected unopposed, used the platform to criticise the MKP, dismissing it as lacking genuine progressive credentials despite their parliamentary alliance within the progressive caucus. He described this alliance as pragmatic rather than ideological.

The conference took place at a critical juncture for the EFF, which has recently faced setbacks including a decline in national support, a drop in its parliamentary ranking, and the loss of several senior members to the MKP.