Another Major Setback for EFF: EFFSC Founding President Mpho Morolane Quits the Party

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are once again in the spotlight as they face yet another significant departure. Mpho Morolane, the founding president of the EFF Student Command (EFFSC), has officially severed ties with the party. On Wednesday morning, Morolane submitted his resignation letter to the EFF’s Secretary General, Marshal Dlamini, a move that has ignited debate and speculation across social media platforms.

Morolane’s Decision to Leave the EFF

Morolane, who played a pivotal role in establishing the EFFSC, took to social media to share his resignation letter. In it, he revealed that he is seeking a new path in his political career, but stopped short of specifying his next steps. While he didn’t explicitly mention his future plans, rumours are rife that he may join former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu, who recently left the EFF to join Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).

Growing Speculation and a Trend of Departures

Morolane’s exit comes at a time when the EFF is dealing with multiple high-profile resignations. Just days before, Shivambu and former spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi left the party, both opting to join Zuma’s MKP. The wave of departures is causing concern for the red berets, as key members who helped shape the party over the past decade are choosing to walk away.

Morolane’s departure is particularly significant, as he was one of the founding members of the EFFSC and held the position of its inaugural president. His involvement over the years was crucial in shaping the student wing and advocating for the youth’s role in the broader struggle for economic freedom.

A Fractured Relationship with the Leadership

In his resignation letter to Dlamini, Morolane shed light on some of the challenges he faced during his time with the EFFSC. He referred to painful decisions made by the party’s upper leadership structure, which he had to endure during his tenure. Despite these issues, he maintained a level of respect for the senior leadership, noting that his grievances never led him to openly disrespect them.

“The pain that one endured in decisions taken by the upper structure in relation to one’s tenure as the Inaugural President of the Student Command has never warranted from one’s end disrespect to senior leadership,” he wrote.

Gratitude and Reflection on His Time with the EFF

While his resignation marks the end of a decade-long association with the EFF, Morolane expressed deep gratitude for the party’s role in his political career and personal development. He acknowledged the party’s impact on the youth and its dedication to the mission of economic freedom, which he said would forever be remembered.

He also commended the EFF for producing “quality leadership” that has the potential to serve not just nationally but across the continent and globally. Reflecting on his time with the party, Morolane said that it had always felt like home, especially in advocating for vulnerable workers in institutions of higher education and training.

However, he made it clear that his decision to leave should not be interpreted as a stance of opposition to the EFF. Rather, it was a personal choice to pursue a different direction in the ongoing fight for the dignity and rights of African people.

What’s Next for Morolane?

Morolane’s departure leaves questions about his next political move. Will he follow in the footsteps of Shivambu and Manyi by joining the MKP, or does he have other plans in mind? Only time will tell. However, his exit, along with the recent resignations of other top figures, undoubtedly raises questions about the internal stability of the EFF and what lies ahead for the party as it approaches a critical juncture in its history.

The EFF, once seen as a united front driving the mission for economic freedom, is now facing its biggest test as key members begin to seek greener pastures elsewhere.