Shivambu says EFF exit not due to party’s decline

MK National Organiser Floyd Shivambu has clarified his decision to leave the EFF, saying it was not driven by the party’s electoral decline.

Shivambu, a co-founder of the EFF, addressed speculation about his departure during a media briefing on Thursday, alongside MK Party President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Dr John Hlope.

His appointment as MK’s National Organiser comes days after his resignation from the EFF.

Shivambu says his decision to join the MK party was motivated by a desire for new challenges and opportunities, rather than a reaction to the EFF’s electoral performance in May.

Although the MK party made significant strides in the national elections, allegedly eating into the EFF’s voter base, Hlope dismissed suggestions that Shivambu’s recruitment aimed to destabilize the EFF.

Instead, he says it was a strategic move to bolster the MK party’s leadership capabilities.

Hlope emphasized MK’s commitment to working with smaller parties, stating that all black political movements should work together.

Meanwhile, MK party President Jacob Zuma welcomed Shivambu, praising him as an honest and clear politician.

Their connection dates back to Zuma’s presidency, when Shivambu was a prominent figure in the ANC Youth League.

Addressing concerns about MK’s lack of permanent leadership structures, Treasurer General Menzi Ngubane announced the appointment of a National High Command, an 8-member structure that will become the party’s highest decision-making body.

Notably, the MK party has decided not to send its newly appointed leaders to Parliament, instead opting for parliamentary deployees who will toe the party line.

This decision is likely a response to the Constitutional Court’s May ruling, which found President Zuma unfit to hold a parliamentary seat.

The party has pledged to launch a robust campaign for the 2029 general elections, assuring that no further changes in leadership structures are anticipated, as each new leader has been carefully considered.