THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is in turmoil, with a wave of high-profile resignations exposing deep cracks in South Africa’s third-largest political party.
The departure of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a prominent MP and former national spokesperson, has intensified scrutiny of the party’s stability and leadership under Julius Malema.
The EFF confirmed Ndlozi’s resignation on Thursday, along with that of Yazini Tetyana, another party member in Parliament.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters has received the voluntary resignations of fighter Yazini Tetyana and fighter Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi as representatives of the EFF in the Parliament of South Africa,” read an official statement.
Both Ndlozi and Tetyana submitted their resignation letters to EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini within days of each other, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party and the people of South Africa.
The EFF acknowledged their contributions and accepted their requests to be released from their parliamentary duties.
“They have both been exemplary in their deployments and acted as commendable public representatives,” the party stated, wishing them well in their future endeavours.
Ndlozi had served in the National Assembly since 2014.
He skipped the party’s third elective congress which was held in Johannesburg in December, following reports of a fallout with party leader Julius Malema and questions about his future in the party.
Tetyana, who previously served as the EFF’s leader in the Eastern Cape and a member of the provincial legislature, joined Parliament as part of the party’s national representation.
However, the resignations of Ndlozi and other senior figures have raised concerns about internal divisions within the EFF.
Dali Mpofu, a former EFF chairperson, recently left the party to join former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party.
Other notable departures include Malema’s deputy, Floyd Shivambu, and lawmakers Mzwanele Manyi and Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
The wave of resignations has led to speculation about possible leadership disputes and the party’s long-term cohesion.
Despite these concerns, the EFF has maintained a defiant stance.
Mapheule Liphoko, the EFF’s Free State chairperson, dismissed the notion of a party in crisis. He told The Free Stater the party in the province remained unwavering in its support for its national leadership under Julius Malema.
Political analysts suggest that while the resignations could indicate deeper issues within the party, the EFF’s leadership is likely to continue pushing its agenda for economic freedom and social justice in South Africa’s legislative and political landscape.
How the party manages these internal challenges could determine its future trajectory. – Staff Reporter