During the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) third national people's assembly this past weekend, party leader Julius Malema made it clear he will not entertain questions about the absence of one of the party's prominent members, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. His stern statement to journalists was delivered with palpable annoyance, signaling the party's intent to focus on collective issues rather than individual member dynamics.
"He’s not here, and it’s not in our interest to entertain such nonsense," Malema stated on Saturday morning at the Nasrec Expo Centre, where the assembly took place. His words reflect the mounting speculation surrounding Ndlozi's absence, which has been noticeable since the assembly opened on Friday.
While many party members assembled to discuss key organizational matters, Ndlozi's absence stood out, prompting journalists to probe Malema for explanations. According to the EFF leader, the party is focused on the interests of its majority rather than on individuals. "We are not going to answer the question about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. Ninety percent of the people who are expected to be here are here, and that's what matters," he elaborated.
This was not the first time Ndlozi's situation has raised eyebrows within the EFF. Reports surfaced last November indicating he had been barred from participating in party activities due to concerns over his loyalty. Some party insiders suggested this was linked to his close relations with former deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who had left the EFF for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
Malema's comments came alongside those of EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini, who stressed the importance of focusing on collective party interests: "We’re here at the third national people’s assembly. This assembly will prove no one is bigger than this organization. We’ve got 2,500 delegates here, and it starts and ends there,” he stated during a media briefing.
Despite widespread speculation about Ndlozi's status and potential ambitions within the party, Malema urged journalists not to frame the narrative around one person's absence. He challenged the media's focus, insisting, "Why must we be monitoring movements of individuals? Why the concern about one person over so many people who are here?" His rejection of the notion placed Ndlozi as pivotal to the assembly highlighted Malema's larger point — the EFF's cohesion and collective strength.
When asked if Ndlozi could still contest positions without being present at the assembly, Malema indicated no one had been barred from standing for any position, allowing the possibility for absent candidates to still express their interest through letters.
Malema's defiance extended to defending Ndlozi against criticisms of negligence when the party faced challenges, asserting he remains firmly part of the EFF. He remarked on Ndlozi's situation with confidence, reinforcing his status within the organization. “You must not listen to gossip from drunkards. Dr. Ndlozi is part of the EFF membership system,” he stated last month before the assembly.
The leadership's insistence on sidelining questions about Ndlozi aims to prevent distractions during the assembly, which is primarily focused on the party's constitutional amendments and leadership elections. With reports and discussions lined up, the EFF is poised to chart its course independent of individual controversies.
Malema's remarks serve as both defiance and commitment to organizational unity and stability within the party. He declared emphatically, “It will show them once again, it's bigger than all of them. So as a matter of principle, policy, and position, we are no longer going to answer any nonsense about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, never.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Ndlozi, the assembly continues its agenda, prioritizing the discussions and decisions shaping the future of the EFF. Upcoming presentations and plenary sessions are set to evaluate both organizational and financial reports, followed by electoral processes to nominate leadership positions within the party.
Moving forward, the central theme of the conference remains evident: unity over individuality, as Malema and EFF leaders aim to reaffirm their principles within the political scene.