Floyd Shivambu Resigns from EFF, Joins Jacob Zuma's MK Party

Image Source: Floyd Shivambu

Published by Everything ZA News

In a surprising political move, EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has announced his resignation from the party to join the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party. This decision comes just months before the EFF’s third elective conference scheduled for December.

Shivambu made the announcement at the party’s headquarters following a sudden midnight call for an urgent briefing that caught even provincial leaders off guard. During his announcement, Shivambu emphasized that his resignation was motivated by his political growth and not by internal party conflicts, as some speculated.

“I’ve never acted against the principles of the organisation in my time of service. I’ve always upheld my commitment to true emancipation. My decision to not renew my membership should not be misconstrued. I request to be relieved of all my deployments within the organisation. Political decisions should never be viewed as betrayal,” Shivambu stated.

He wished the EFF continued success, stressing that the struggle for economic freedom should not be compromised by his personal decision. Shivambu also confirmed his intentions to actively participate in the MK Party but clarified that he has not been promised any specific position or deployment.

EFF president Julius Malema acknowledged that other members sympathetic to the MK Party are likely to follow Shivambu’s lead. He assured the party’s “ground forces” that while an exodus of Shivambu’s supporters is expected, it should not be cause for alarm.

This development comes after the MK Party overtook the EFF as the third-largest party following the May 29 election, also becoming the official opposition in parliament.

Shivambu revealed that he had initially informed Malema of his intention to leave, with several meetings held between them and other top leaders in an effort to dissuade him. However, these attempts were unsuccessful. Despite the EFF’s constitution prohibiting former members from rejoining, Malema stated that the party would welcome Shivambu back as a founding member if he chose to return.

“This is unprecedented for us as a party, but we will get through it as an organisation. This is not the end for the EFF; we will consolidate as we move into a new chapter,” Malema asserted.

Shivambu’s departure marks the most significant shake-up in the EFF since its formation in 2014.