Cape Town – Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s position within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) appears uncertain amid reports of his suspension from party activities and his absence from the EFF’s third National People’s Assembly (NPA).
Leader of the EFF Julius Malema dismissed questions about Ndlozi at the NPA. “We are not going to answer the question on Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. You’ve got his number and some of you talk to him. Call him. I’m not responsible for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. Ninety percent of the people who are here, who are expected to be here, are here. That’s what matters,” Malema responded.
He added, “Whoever is not here, was not supposed to be here, from the beginning. So, you are not going to reduce this organisation to some individual. We are going to refuse to get involved.”
Despite expectations, Ndlozi’s future looks bleak following developments at the assembly. Initially seen as a strong candidate for the deputy president role against Gordrich Gardee, reports suggest he has been suspended due to concerns about his loyalty to the party and potential betrayal of Malema.
Malema went on to remind delegates, “There is no leader of the EFF who is not here in front. No leader of the EFF is not here in Nasrec. If they are not here, they are not leaders of the EFF. You must never regard them as the leaders of the EFF.” This statement was indicative of the party’s increasingly stringent stance against perceived dissent.
Political analysts speculate on the ramifications of Ndlozi’s absence. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, from Nelson Mandela University, remarked, “It was clear from the get-go—Ndlozi's future is uncertain. Everyone, regardless of who they are, deserves respect. I do not blame Ndlozi for not attending the NPA.”
Rumors persist around Ndlozi’s knowledge of former deputy president Floyd Shivambu’s sudden departure from the EFF, which some allege he kept secret from Malema. This lack of transparency contributed significantly to the friction between him and the party’s leadership.
The absence from the Central Command Team (CCT) listing also signals potential shifts within the party. The new CCT structure comprises 66 members who will influence the decision-making processes for the next five years. Missing from this powerful circle, Ndlozi’s status has been considerably diminished.
Malema emphasized the party’s need for unity, saying, “We cannot build a strong organisation of factionalism, friends and favouritism.” He seeks to consolidate leadership around those who are officially elected and present, attempting to quash any chaos brewing within the ranks.
During the conference, Malema made it clear on multiple occasions: “There are people within the party whose sole mission is to cause chaos. We cannot allow this to happen.” The calling out of Ndlozi's unaccounted absence lays bare the growing tensions associated with party loyalty.
Efforts to mitigate factional battles within the EFF have become all the more pressing, as Malema stated, “You chose your leadership; you must defend your leadership both in public and private.” This directive has raised eyebrows within the party, which is no stranger to growing pains as it navigates its identity and leadership dynamic.
IOL Politics reported earlier on the culmination of the assembly leading to new leadership, emphasizing the underlying shifts and consequences of Ndlozi’s current position.
Going forward, Ndlozi may now take on the role of an ordinary member within the party, relegated to his local Orange Farm branch. Whether he will retain his position as MP remains uncertain, as the EFF leadership’s resolution of internal conflicts takes center stage.
Malema's concluding remarks were less than comforting for Ndlozi fans, asserting, “He has been barred from attending due to his ego and betrayal of the party.” This public outburst exemplifies the challenging road Ndlozi may navigate henceforth as he no longer holds favor among the party’s higher echelons.
With these turbulent developments at the EFF, what was once thought to be steadfast leadership by Ndlozi now faces scrutiny and reevaluation as the dynamics shift and alliances redefine themselves.
