At the recent third National People’s Assembly of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), held at the Nasrec Centre in Johannesburg, Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini took center stage to honor two influential figures within the party: Floyd Shivambu and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. While Shivambu has since departed from the organization to join the newly formed Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Ndlozi's current unaffiliated status following his barring from the assembly adds layers of complexity to their legacy within the EFF.
During the assembly, attracting more than 2,000 delegates, Dlamini offered compelling praise for both men, recognizing their significant contributions to the party's growth and ideological development. Dlamini noted Shivambu's role as deputy president, highlighting how he echoed the party's commitment to socialist values and to dismantling systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. “The former deputy president was a tireless advocate for change,” Dlamini stated. “He led innovative programmes aimed at empowering marginalised communities and dismantling systemic barriers.”
Shivambu's leadership extended beyond party lines; he was recognized for his pivotal role within the South African Parliament. Dlamini commended his insistence on legislative reform, particularly his contributions to the Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution to facilitate land expropriation without compensation. This initiative, aimed at addressing historical injustices, marked Shivambu as influential on both local and international fronts.
Among his notable activities, Shivambu led protests under the #BlackLivesMatter banner and spearheaded demonstrations targeting billionaire Johann Rupert’s properties. Such actions weren't just symbolic; they emphasized the EFF's commitment to addressing inequality and advocating for social justice. Dlamini recounted, “He achieved significant success for the party... The deputy president raised the issues of women and youth representation...in pursuit of gender parity.”
Meanwhile, Ndlozi's contributions were equally significant but manifested more through behind-the-scenes efforts. Dlamini emphasized Ndlozi’s work in shaping the ideological framework of the EFF, particularly through educational initiatives. He played a central role in organizing Marxism and Leninism lectures—presented by Shivambu—that served to ground members with the foundational philosophies of the party.
“The department (led by Ndlozi) convened the National Political School...to capacitate the Fighters (EFF members)...,” Dlamini reported, underscoring the importance of political education as part of the EFF’s mission. Through these efforts, Ndlozi was instrumental in executing the party's 2023 thematic focus on “Year of Mass Political Education and Voter Registration,” aiming to bolster member engagement and awareness.
Ndlozi also excelled creatively, overseeing the production of cultural projects such as the EFF Jazz Hours volumes and the Leruo stage play, which were aimed at both entertainment and political education. His influence led to the crafting of educational material detailing the origins and ideological foundations of the movement, deeply rooted in Marxism, Leninism, and Fanonism.
Despite the praises, the aspirations of the EFF now face challenges due to the contrasting fates of these two leaders. Shivambu's transition to the MKP and Ndlozi's absence create questions about the EFF's future direction, especially as the party grapples with its identity and goals without these prominent figures directly involved.
Dlamini's report draws attention to the legacies of both Shivambu and Ndlozi, effectively positioning them as pivotal architects of the EFF’s philosophy and strategy. Their paths diverge significantly—from Shivambu's shift to MKP and strategic move at the political helm to Ndlozi’s sidelining from participation at the assembly, leaving his future uncertain.
Regardless of their individual trajectories, both men’s impacts on the EFF and the broader political discourse continue to resonate. Dlamini’s commendations reveal how deeply intertwined their legacies are with the party’s historical narrative and propose the need for reconstruction as the EFF navigates its future.
The assembly not only served as a reflection of recognition for Shivambu and Ndlozi but also illustrated the complexity faced by political organizations as they chart their paths amid internal and external challenges. It will be interesting to see how the EFF evolves, potentially drawing upon the foundations laid by these leaders, even as they carve new journeys apart from the party they helped define.
