Mbuyiseni Ndlozi dumps EFF
Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) national spokesperson, Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, has officially parted ways with the party, bringing an end to what he described as a frosty relationship.
Ndlozi confirmed his departure during an interview with SABC News, where he announced his exit from party politics altogether.
“I’ve taken a decision to step away completely from party politics. I’m leaving party politics. I think I’ve made my contribution in that space,” he stated.
His departure marks a significant moment in South African politics, given his long-standing role in the EFF’s leadership and public engagements.
A Shift to Civil Society and Academia
While stepping away from active politics, Ndlozi emphasized that South Africa is not a one-party state but rather a country where individuals can exercise their political rights freely.
He expressed a strong desire to focus on academic work, which he believes is essential in shaping political discourse and governance in the country.
“My immediate contribution will be academic because I’m passionate about improving the levels of discourse in the country.”
Beyond academia, he is particularly interested in civil society activism, an area he feels has been neglected over the years.
“The terrain of struggle that has been neglected over the years is the civil society space. I’m interested in it because it is where you are able to cultivate and agitate the notions of freedom where liberation is about the people. The people liberate themselves through community development, research, and advocacy.”
Drawing inspiration from AfriForum, an influential Afrikaner civil rights group, Ndlozi suggested that similar advocacy structures should be established for Black South Africans.
“It’s time somebody did for the people of this country what AfriForum is doing for the Afrikaners.”
Suspension from the EFF: The Allegations and Fallout
For the first time, Ndlozi opened up about his suspension from the EFF, which preceded his departure from the party.
He revealed that the EFF leadership accused him of two major infractions, leading to his suspension six weeks before the party’s National People’s Assembly (NPA) in December 2024, where new leadership was to be elected.
According to Ndlozi, the first reason for his suspension was that the EFF claimed to have an intelligence report linking him to an alleged infiltration attempt by the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).
“The leadership said that it’s in possession of an intelligence report in which they claimed that I’m part of the infiltration strategy by MKP (uMkhonto Wesizwe Party) and that I was planning to join them but waiting for an opportune moment.”
The second reason was his knowledge of then EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu’s impending departure—something he did not disclose to the party leadership.
“The second one largely rested on the fact that I knew about then deputy president Floyd’s (Shivambu) departure and I didn’t tell the leadership.”
Following these allegations, he was ordered to stay home and refrain from participating in any EFF activities, including his parliamentary duties.
Ndlozi Denies Allegations, Calls Suspension “Unconventional”
Ndlozi strongly refuted the accusations against him, dismissing claims that he had planned to join the MKP or conspired against the EFF.
“I can state categorically now that I never planned to join the MKP. I still don’t. I never worked with anybody in MKP in relation to some conspiracy about my departure, and I think that whatever information they say they have was based largely on lies.”
Regarding Shivambu’s departure, he admitted that he was aware of it but rejected the notion that he should have reported it to EFF leadership.
“I did know about the departure of Floyd Shivambu. He did come to tell me of his consideration, and indeed I told him that he would have to take the leadership into confidence, and he did.”
He further criticized the EFF’s expectations that he should have acted as an informant, saying it would have undermined his integrity.
“The idea that I should have run behind his back and inform other people, or the leadership, suggests that I am an informant, a gossiper, or a wedge driver. I am none of those.”
Ndlozi also labeled his suspension as “unconventional”, arguing that it did not follow the EFF’s code of conduct or constitution.
“The allegations were serious, as they suggested that I was a double agent who betrayed the revolution and had been disloyal to the party and its leadership.”
What’s Next for Ndlozi?
As he embarks on this new journey outside party politics, Ndlozi’s focus appears to be on academia, civil society activism, and community development.
His criticism of the EFF’s internal processes, combined with his bold stance on civil society advocacy, suggests that he may continue to be an influential figure in South African political and social discourse.
While his future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is not fading from the public eye anytime soon.
