In what appears to be a rare public divergence within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Floyd Shivambu has subtly but unmistakably distanced himself from party leader Julius Malema’s controversial position on foreign nationals. The tension traces back to Malema’s fiery rhetoric during the party’s campaign trail leading up to the June 2024 elections — a time marked by fierce political competition and rising public frustration over immigration and job security.
Shivambu, usually a loyal and reserved second-in-command, is now raising eyebrows with remarks that seem to contradict Malema’s “open-border” approach. During the campaign, Malema staunchly defended the rights of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa, claiming that “no African is illegal.” While the sentiment resonated with some of the EFF’s pan-African base, it drew sharp criticism from communities grappling with unemployment, poor service delivery, and perceptions of rising crime.
Shivambu, however, appears to be tapping into those concerns. Without naming Malema directly, he recently suggested that the party must “reassess how we balance solidarity with accountability,” hinting at a more pragmatic stance on immigration and national interests. His words, though measured, have ignited speculation about deeper ideological fault lines within the red berets.
This subtle rebuke is more than just a policy disagreement — it could signal the start of a shifting power dynamic within the EFF’s upper ranks. Analysts are already interpreting Shivambu’s move as both a calculated challenge and a possible attempt to realign the party with grassroots realities. While the EFF has built its brand on radical unity, cracks may be emerging behind the scenes.
Is this the beginning of a leadership rift or a strategic repositioning? Only time will tell — but for now, Floyd Shivambu has made it clear: not everyone in the EFF is on the same page when it comes to the complex question of foreign nationals in South Africa.
