In a fiery press conference today, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema shut down media speculation surrounding Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s alleged ban from attending the party’s highly anticipated elective conference, scheduled for 12-15 December at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
When questioned about reports that Ndlozi had been barred from the conference, Malema was quick to dismiss the claims as “shebeen gossip.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” he told reporters, visibly frustrated. “If we want to say anything, we will communicate it officially. We don’t respond to gossip, especially not the kind that circulates in shebeens. I have never said anything about Ndlozi, and we do not engage with baseless rumors.” Malema emphasized that the EFF only responds to official matters and that the media should refrain from elevating unverified claims.
In a candid moment, Malema also addressed tensions within the party, revealing his deep feelings of betrayal by those close to him. He recounted a time when he was left in the dark about Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the EFF, despite knowing members being aware of the move for weeks.
“People knew Floyd was leaving for two weeks and didn’t tell me. That was a turning point,” Malema said. “They kept information that could have been damaging to the organization, and I wasn’t supposed to talk about it. That’s disloyalty, and they can go to hell.”
Malema stressed that being asked to maintain good relations with disloyal individuals felt like being asked to commit suicide. “When I got expelled, I called those I shared a meal with, the people I grew up with, to start a political party, and they refused to come. Don’t ask me to travel down that road again,” he said. “Loyalty is tested in the hardest moments. Those who are not loyal should never be trusted—they will destroy you.”
Malema also weighed in on his relationship with former President Jacob Zuma, noting that they remain on good terms despite their differences. “Me and Zuma are good, but that doesn’t stop me from saying he is corrupt,” Malema remarked, drawing parallels to his relationship with President Cyril Ramaphosa. “Me and Ramaphosa are very good, but that doesn’t mean I won’t criticize him when necessary.”
Regarding the MK Party, Malema made it clear that neither he nor the EFF has any relationship with the organization, especially after it made the controversial decision to recruit leaders from the EFF.
Malema’s remarks reflect growing tensions within the EFF as it prepares for its upcoming elective conference. The dismissal of rumors about Ndlozi, combined with the revelations of internal betrayals, paints a picture of a party grappling with loyalty, power struggles, and the challenges of navigating South Africa’s volatile political landscape.
As Malema continues to steer the EFF through these turbulent waters, his unwavering stance on loyalty, discipline, and the pursuit of political power promises to be a defining theme in the months ahead.
