By South Africa’s political landscape has been shaken by the defection of Floyd Shivambu, deputy leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), to former President Jacob Zuma’s newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. This move has sent shockwaves through the EFF, a major political force for over a decade, and signals a significant shift in the country’s opposition dynamics.
Shivambu, long considered the EFF’s ideological architect, has joined MK as its national organizer. His departure from the EFF, which he co-founded with Julius Malema in 2013, marks the most significant rupture in the party’s 11-year history.
The EFF, known for its radical leftist policies including calls for land expropriation and mine nationalization, has been a prominent voice in South African politics, particularly among young voters. However, the party suffered a setback in the May general election, dropping from third to fourth place as MK surged to third in its electoral debut.
William Gumede, an academic at Wits University’s School of Governance, told the Associated Press, “MK cannibalised the ANC and took votes from the EFF. It changed the course of South African politics, making the ANC lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994.”
The EFF’s formation followed the expulsion of Malema and Shivambu from the African National Congress (ANC) during Zuma’s presidency. Ironically, they now find themselves on opposite sides again, with Shivambu aligning with Zuma’s new political venture.
Paddy Harper, a journalist with South Africa’s Mail & Guardian newspaper, highlighted the EFF’s historical impact: “The EFF took with it almost the entire youth wing of the ANC, and also came to dominate student politics at campuses across South Africa, such was the party’s appeal amongst young people.”
The Malema-Shivambu partnership was seen as a potent combination, with Malema’s charismatic leadership complemented by Shivambu’s intellectual depth. Their split is expected to have far-reaching consequences across South African politics, from university campuses to parliament.
However, political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki suggests the breakup might actually consolidate Malema’s power within the EFF. “The EFF is considered more of a cult, run by Malema. In such a system, the leader is the leader. Full stop. Anyone who appears to be close to the leader eventually becomes a casualty,” Mbeki told the Associated Press.
Tensions between Malema and Shivambu had been simmering. At a gala dinner last year, Malema praised Shivambu’s intellect but warned him against any leadership challenges, stating, “I’m ruthless against people who do such things to me, so never try that with me.”
Shivambu’s defection comes amid a corruption scandal involving both him and Malema. They are accused of receiving approximately 16 million rand ($9 million) in bribes from the boss of a now-liquidated bank. Both have denied wrongdoing, but the allegations persist.
The political landscape is further complicated by MK’s and the EFF’s similar economic policies, advocating for land expropriation and state ownership of key industries. Critics, including Mbeki and Gumede, argue these policies are outdated and out of touch with current economic realities.
The recent election results and subsequent by-elections suggest a shift in voter priorities. “Whether working class or middle class, older voters see the EFF as standing for chaos and confrontation. They want parties to co-operate to solve South Africa’s problems because we have an electricity and water crisis, and high unemployment and crime,” Gumede explained.
As South Africa grapples with these challenges, the political realignment represented by Shivambu’s defection could have significant implications for the country’s governance and policy direction. The EFF now faces the task of redefining its identity and strategy without one of its key founding members, while MK seeks to capitalize on its initial electoral success and new high-profile recruit.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these opposition movements can effectively challenge the ANC’s long-standing dominance and address the pressing issues facing South African society.
Credit: bbc.com
