EFF leader Julius Malema has taken a combative stance against his former deputy, Floyd Shivambu, and any potential defectors from the party. Initially, Malema expressed goodwill towards Shivambu when he left to join the MK Party, even suggesting Shivambu could return to the EFF if his new venture failed. However, in a subsequent speech, Malema’s tone shifted dramatically as he accused Shivambu of betrayal and expressed deep frustration with those who might use the upcoming national assembly to further personal ambitions. Malema emphasized that anyone who intends to leave should do so immediately, as he no longer wishes to accommodate those who are not fully committed to the EFF’s mission.
Malema also addressed allegations related to his involvement in government of national unity (GNU) talks, denying any personal ambitions for high-ranking positions and reaffirming his objections to alliances with the DA and Freedom Front Plus. He made significant changes within the EFF, including replacing Shivambu as the chief whip in Parliament and redistributing duties from the deputy president’s office to his own. Malema called on EFF members to unite and protect the party from internal and external threats, warning against opportunism and factionalism. He declared that the EFF would continue its fight despite the challenges, asserting that the party has not wronged anyone and remains dedicated to its revolutionary mission.
Image credit: EFF, X
