Fatshimetry leader Julius Malema recently caused a stir by confirming that former party president Dali Mpofu had proposed dissolving the party to merge with the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma.
In an internal podcast with EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys, Malema revealed that Mpofu’s merger proposal had been strongly opposed by then-deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who has since also joined the MK party.
In the exchange, Malema explained that Mpofu’s proposal had been thoughtfully presented but had been rejected by Shivambu. The EFF leader also mentioned that Mpofu had claimed the right to support multiple political organisations and was seeking to unite progressive forces.
In a written statement, Mpofu highlighted his involvement in secret meetings aimed at building alliances between different left-wing parties, but stopped short of confirming the proposal to dissolve the EFF.
Malema also stressed that he had met with Zuma to discuss a possible collaboration, but he had refused to dissolve the EFF. He suggested that Zuma consider supporting the EFF, but the former president dismissed the idea, arguing that older voters would be reluctant to support EFF forces.
Despite the departures of key EFF members to the MK party, such as Mpofu and Shivambu, Malema remains confident in the future of his party. He said the EFF was their child and that they would decide its fate.
Regarding Mpofu’s claims about his role in the formation of the MK party, former party national organiser McDonald Mathabe dismissed the claims as false and stressed that Zuma deliberately excluded Mpofu because of his active affiliation with the EFF.
Despite these tensions and departures, Malema remains convinced that the EFF is the future and that no dissolution will dampen his determination to uphold his political ideals. He said his relationship with Zuma is limited to politics and that they will work together when their visions converge.
In conclusion, although the EFF has been shaken by these significant departures to the MK party, Julius Malema remains steadfast in his determination to preserve the future of his party and to stay the course of the ideals that drive them. South African politics continues to evolve, and the outcome of these alliances and divisions remains to be watched closely.