Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has made it abundantly clear that his relationship with former spokesperson Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is purely professional—if not distant—emphasizing that he is not responsible for the actions or whereabouts of his fellow party member. During a candid interview with Onkgopotse “JJ” Tabane on eNCA’s Power to Truth, Malema openly stated that Ndlozi’s resignation from his position as an EFF Member of Parliament was of no personal concern to him.
Malema’s blunt dismissal of any responsibility over Ndlozi came after the latter’s resignation from Parliament, a move the EFF attributed to a personal decision, and the former spokesperson’s subsequent exclusion from the party’s elective conference in December. Reflecting on the situation, Malema admitted he had only learned of Ndlozi’s resignation from Parliament while on holiday with his wife, and even then, he didn’t see the need to inquire further. “I am not responsible for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, I am not his father, I am not his father! Where he was, what he was doing, I don’t know,” Malema said sharply, making it clear that any developments regarding Ndlozi’s whereabouts were not his concern.
This interview marked a rare moment of transparency between Malema and the media, as it was his first interview with eNCA in five years, following a significant fallout between the two parties. The EFF had banned eNCA from covering its events after the media house pulled out of covering the 2019 Second National People’s Assembly, citing editorial differences. However, both the party and the broadcaster have since reconciled, agreeing to put aside past grievances in the interest of media freedom.
Despite the interview being a rare public appearance with eNCA, Malema remained firm and unapologetic about his stance on Ndlozi, reiterating that the EFF is thriving without him. “I am not interested… our relationship ended that time, we are just members,” Malema declared, firmly closing the door on any notion of reconciliation. “I never spoke to Mbuyiseni Ndlozi before the NPA, I never spoke to Mbuyiseni Ndlozi after the NPA,” he added, underscoring the finality of their personal and political separation.
The rift between the two began following the controversial resignation of former deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who left the EFF to join the MK Party. It was later revealed that Ndlozi had been aware of Shivambu’s intentions to leave the party but chose not to inform Malema or any other senior members. For Malema, this betrayal was a bridge too far. He emphasized that he could never work with individuals who keep secrets that could harm the party, underscoring that loyalty and transparency are non-negotiable values within the EFF.
As for Ndlozi, the silence around his position within the EFF speaks volumes. While he has not publicly commented on the state of his relationship with the party, he did express his gratitude to the EFF and its supporters on social media over the weekend, thanking the movement for its support with a heartfelt message: “Sibonge umbutho wabantu. Ndinithanda nonke emakhaya” (“We thank the people’s movement. I love you all at home”). This message, however, leaves many questions unanswered about his future in politics or his standing with the EFF.
Despite the personal drama unfolding within the party, Malema remains resolute in his leadership. His focus remains firmly on the future of the EFF, which he claims is stronger than ever, even without the former MP by his side. The saga of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, though personal, serves as a stark reminder of the internal dynamics that continue to shape South African political landscapes, especially within the fiercely competitive environment of the EFF. As Malema steers the party through turbulent waters, one thing is clear: loyalty, transparency, and collective unity are values that will define the party’s future success, with or without its former spokesperson.
