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Shivambu’s exit from EFF a litmus test: Analyst

todayAugust 15, 2024 170 2

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Political analyst, Lesego More, says Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the EFF is both a huge test and loss for the party.

While many say this might be the end of the red berets, as the party is affectionately known, More says it’s still too early to tell.

He says how the EFF responds to this test will be a determining factor for its future.

Shivambu announced his departure from the EFF at the party’s headquarters, the Winnie Madikizela House in Gandhi Square, in downtown Johannesburg earlier today.

He also dropped a bombshell and revealed that he will be joining former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party (MKP).

In his resignation letter, Shivhambu says not renewing his membership is not a vote of no confidence in the organisation but a revolutionary act that will allow progressive forces to unite.

“I will never abandon the cause for economic emancipation and true freedom in our lifetime.”

More says Shivambu will be a big asset for the MK Party as he comes with a wealth of experience.

He says Zuma’s party will emerge stronger from a perspective of ideologies, especially with the likes of Dr John Hlophe and Andile Mngxitama.

“Floyd is one of the politicians within the ranks of the EFF and the South African political landscape who is held in high regard when it comes to social policies aimed at driving transformation.”

A visibly distraught Julius Malema compared Shivambu’s departure to the same pain he felt when he lost his mother.

He says fighters should be prepared to see more people leaving the organisation, adding that this should not serve as a point of collapse for the EFF.

“This is not the end, it’s the beginning of a journey because we have turned 10 years old, and this is a new chapter for the EFF.”

“This is a testing moment. An organization that has lived beyond 10 years has never been through this testing moment.”

Malema says while the EFF constitution does not allow for members to leave the party and come back, the door remains open for Shivambu.

“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.”

“We wish DP all of success, we know that wherever he is going, he is going to be of value. We have lost a valuable member of the EFF, but the show continues.”

The leader of the red berets says they will not be filling the position for now until they go to their elective conference in December.

Spokesperson for the Zuma Foundation, Mzwanele Manyi, has also ditched the red berets to join the MK Party.

The party led by Zuma says the addition of the Manyi and Shivambu could not have come at a better time.

More says the MK Party is continuing to make its impact felt after successfully weakening the ANC in the 2024 elections.

“Taking the EFF’s number two, no matter how you look at it, it will weaken the EFF.”

He adds that this is also a big test for the Progressive Caucus, which was formed in opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The caucus is made up of the EFF, MK Party, ATM, UAT, NCCC.

“It’s also a big test for the progressive alliance, having one of the biggest assets of the EFF jump ship. The question will remain if the caucus stays true to its charter, or they’ll let the politics of emotions be the order of the day.”

This has also fueled speculations that the likes of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Veronica Mente and Dali Mpofu will soon leave the organisation.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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