Floyd Shivambu’s recent interview on the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh podcast has ignited tensions within South Africa’s political landscape.
Story Summary:
- Floyd Shivambu’s interview detailed his alleged role in shaping the EFF, asserting the party’s core framework originated from his vision.
- Malema reacted by sharing a post from an EFF ally, which questioned Shivambu’s commitment and highlighted alleged failures in his past EFF responsibilities.
Floyd Shivambu claims EFF was his blueprint
In a series of statements, Shivambu asserted his pivotal role in conceptualising and founding the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), laying claim to key elements of the party’s identity, including the name, organisational structure, and guiding documents.
“It’s not a secret that I conceptualised the EFF,” Shivambu stated.
Shivambu openly expressed that the structures and ideologies defining the EFF came from his own vision, including the titles of “Commissar” and “Commander-in-Chief” attributed to party leaders, a feature that has become synonymous with the EFF’s identity.
In response to backlash over his comments, Shivambu defended his statements on social media, quoting Amilcar Cabral’s advice on transparency,
“Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told,” he wrote, affirming that his remarks on the podcast were “100% correct.”
Here’s how Julius Malema reacted
EFF leader Julius Malema responded indirectly to Shivambu’s claims by sharing a post from Dr Mgcini Tshwaku on X.
Tshwaku’s post suggested that Shivambu’s commitment to the EFF had waned long before his official resignation, highlighting alleged gaps in his contributions to the party.
“EFF never met with the Chiefs of Giyani. He never won his ward,” the post claimed, implying that Shivambu’s engagement had been superficial and divisive, challenging his claims of foundational importance.
The retweet from Malema, albeit indirect, has exposed the growing rift between the former allies, suggesting Malema’s stance on Shivambu’s departure as an opportunity for the EFF to “close ranks” against potential division.
Tshwaku’s post called for unity within the EFF, asserting that Shivambu’s statements aim to “sow divisions within the EFF.”
