Shivambu leaves EFF to join Jacob Zuma’s MK Party

Floyd Shivambu, the deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has resigned from the party to join the uMkhonto (MK) weSizwe Party, a political group established by former ANC president Jacob Zuma in 2023.

This confirms earlier reports that Shivambu had quit the party overnight was moving to Zuma’s fledgling party.

Shivambu, on Thursday afternoon, read his resignation letter to reporters gathered at the EFF’s headquarters in Johannesburg.

“I wish the EFF full prosperity and success, and wish that all commissars and ground forces will accept the very difficult decision I have taken,” Shivambu read from the letter.

Taking to the podium after Shivambu, EFF president and co-founder Julius Malema expressed sadness at his deputy’s departure.

“When he sent me a letter yesterday, I felt the same pain when I received the news of the passing away of my mother because Floyd to me is not just a comrade. He is a brother, and he will remain a brother even when he pursues his political career differently,” a pained Malema said to reporters.

Manyi also joins MK Party

Malema also announced that Mzwanele Manyi would be leaving the Red Berets to join MK Party, after resigning on Monday. Manyi, who joined the EFF in May 2023, is the spokesperson of the Jacob Zuma Foundation and the move has long been expected.

The EFF also told reporters that he expects more EFF members to leave due to their “loyalty” to Shivambu.

“Floyd is not the only one. Jimmy Manyi has also resigned to go and join MK. There will be many others who are going to leave the EFF because they have got their loyalty and support to the deputy president,” Malema said.

Earlier on Thursday, EFF MPs Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Carl Niehaus moved swiftly to quash rumours that they were also exiting the party.

Mkhwebane confirmed on Wednesday morning that she has not resigned the Julius Malema-led EFF, calling such rumours “fake news”.

“Rumours by SABC News about me leaving EFF are fake news. I will never betray the fighters – my political home,” Mkhwebane posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Niehaus also said SABC News was spreading “fake news” and demanded that they issue a correction and apology for their report.

“I remain a loyal member of the EFF and have absolutely no reason or intention to leave my party,” Niehaus wrote on X.

We are not closing shop, says EFF leader

Malema also moved to assure current EFF members that the party was not disintegrating, saying the doors of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House would remain open for the foreseeable future.

“I will be buried with the flag of the EFF,” Malema said, adding that he would not betray the movement.