EFF leader Julius Malema has addressed the recent departure of high-ranking party members to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former president Jacob Zuma. Speaking on the party’s podcast, Malema dismissed concerns about the defections, stating he is neither intimidated by Zuma nor the growing influence of the MKP.
“Not Scared of Zuma”
Malema openly challenged Zuma during the interview, which was shared on the EFF’s social media platforms. “This is not the first time he is inviting me back to fight with him, and I’ll do it with ease. I’m not scared of Zuma or all his people,” he said confidently.
He emphasized the resilience of the EFF and made it clear that betrayal from former allies would not deter the party’s mission. “There is no way anyone is going to threaten the existence of the EFF and then pretend to be a friend. That’s a lie. People stab you in the back but want to smile in public. No, keep your distance,” he asserted.
Key Members Leave for MKP
The EFF has experienced significant losses, with notable figures such as former deputy leader Floyd Shivambu, ex-Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and advocate Dali Mpofu leaving to join the MKP. Shivambu now serves as MKP’s secretary general.
The MKP has risen rapidly in South Africa’s political landscape, becoming the third-largest party in the country after securing significant support in the May 2024 elections. The EFF saw its vote share decline from 10.8% in 2019 to 9.68%.
Zuma’s Nkandla Meeting
Malema revealed that prior to the elections, Zuma had attempted to broker a merger of the EFF with the MKP. A meeting was held at Zuma’s Nkandla homestead, which Malema chose not to attend. Instead, he sent senior members, including Dali Mpofu, to represent the party.
Mpofu reportedly proposed dissolving the EFF to merge with other opposition groups under Zuma’s leadership. “Dali went to make a presentation in that first meeting where he said the EFF must shut down with the other parties and then form something under Zuma’s leadership,” Malema disclosed.
Malema on His Relationship with Zuma
Malema described his relationship with Zuma as strictly political. Speaking during President Duma Boko’s inauguration ceremony in Botswana last Friday, he said, “I don’t have any relationship with President Zuma. We are political contenders. That’s where our relationship starts and ends. Where we agree, we will share a common perspective; where we disagree, we will disagree respectfully.”
“EFF Cannot Be Destroyed”
Malema dismissed claims that the defections could destabilize the EFF. “You cannot destroy that which you have not built. It can’t fall apart. It’s our own child, it’s our baby, and we will decide what we do with it. The EFF is the future, and it cannot be destabilised by opportunism,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As the EFF prepares for its elective conference next month, Malema is rallying the party to remain united. The leader’s message is clear: the EFF will not crumble under pressure, and its vision remains intact despite the challenges posed by the MKP.
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