Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
21 August 2024 | 09:30 CAT
2 min read

Julius Malema has hardened his stance on Floyd Shivambu, signaling a shift from his previous offer to allow Shivambu back into the EFF if he wished. During a meeting with EFF members in Soweto, Malema recounted his emotional conversation with Shivambu after his resignation, expressing doubt over Shivambu’s explanation that his departure was purely political.

Despite initially managing the situation, Malema has now decided to dismantle Shivambu’s influence within the party, dissolving the Governance Task Unit and assigning all former deputy president powers to the president’s office.

Speaking to Radio Islam, political analyst Malaika Mahlatsi described Malema’s actions as typical, stating that they are not surprising. “I had hoped he would take the high road; it would have reflected of Malema having self-reflected but his recent address in Soweto was a typical Julius type of response,” she said.

Malema criticised EFF members who he believes have personal agendas, suggesting they leave the party.

“Julius did indicate at the press briefing that he sees a number of EFF members going to leave, I think we are going to see that. He has become increasingly very autocratic; now that there is an alternative which there wasn’t in the past, the MK party has demonstrated its strength and the EFF members who have been discontent have found something that is viable,” said Mahlatsi.

Malema addressed the internal tensions within the EFF, particularly the silence of prominent members like Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Dali Mpofu, who have not spoken publicly since Shivambu’s departure.

Mahlatsi suggests that Malema himself is the biggest threat the EFF is currently facing. “In a moment like this any other reasonable leader would have realised what this is, it is a challenging moment. A reasonable leader at this time would be trying to reassure people but he did the complete opposite, to antagonise people and tell people to leave and not come back, but he is vindictive and unable to bring about unity and cohesion in an organisation,” she said.

Malema implied that loyalty can be gauged by observing the actions of those close to party members. Social media speculation suggests Malema was indirectly targeting Ndlozi, whose partner, Mmabatho Montsho, allegedly liked Shivambu’s exit announcement. Ndlozi, absent at Malema’s address, has yet to comment on the matter, despite being in charge during the May 29 elections.

Critics also questioned the appointment of Marshall Dlamini as the EFF’s chief whip in parliament.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Malaika Mahlatsi, political analyst, here.