Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, the former spokesperson for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has broken his silence on social media after a week of heated comments from party leader Julius Malema. Malema recently took aim at Ndlozi, accusing him of being driven by “egoism” and not embodying the qualities of an EFF leader. Malema also remarked that Ndlozi was not above the party and that the organization could not tiptoe around him. Despite the sharp criticism, Ndlozi opted not to engage directly with Malema’s remarks, choosing instead to offer a message of unity and well-wishing to the newly elected EFF leadership.
In a brief post on X (formerly Twitter), Ndlozi congratulated the newly elected EFF leadership and wished them strength and wisdom in their roles. He emphasized the importance of leadership that is both honest and honorable in its dealings with the party and the broader public. His message concluded with a call for dignity in leadership and a hopeful note for the future of the movement. “May you lead us all with dignity! Asinamona, Asinanzondo, Phila Ngonaphakade EFF!” he wrote, underscoring the party’s slogan of unity and purpose.
The post, which also included warm holiday wishes, comes after a period of relative silence from Ndlozi on social media, especially since the departure of former deputy president Floyd Shivambu from the EFF. Shivambu’s defection to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, reportedly took place with Ndlozi’s knowledge, but he did not inform Malema about the move. This lack of transparency caused a stir within the EFF, with Malema later expressing his disappointment in those he felt had betrayed the party. The fallout from this situation further complicated Ndlozi’s standing within the EFF, leading to his exclusion from key events.
Most notably, Ndlozi was barred from attending the EFF’s third National People’s Assembly (NPA) held in Soweto over the weekend. His absence from this significant party gathering was a clear sign of his diminished influence within the organization. To make matters worse, Ndlozi was not included in the party’s powerful Central Command Team (CCT), the high-decision-making body that shapes EFF policy and strategy. Malema, in his closing remarks at the NPA, firmly stated that anyone absent from the conference could not be considered a leader, reinforcing the party’s stance on loyalty and commitment to its processes.
The new leadership of the EFF, as confirmed by the NPA, includes some familiar faces as well as fresh appointments. Julius Malema was re-elected as president, with Godrich Gardee serving as the new deputy president. Marshal Dlamini remains as Secretary-General, while Leigh Ann Mathys takes on the role of deputy secretary-general. Noluthando Notshuku was appointed as National Chairperson, and Omphile Maotwe is the new Treasurer General. The appointments reflect Malema’s ongoing control over the party, with a blend of loyalists and newcomers making up the core leadership team.
Despite his exclusion from the leadership ranks, Ndlozi’s message was one of calm and dignity. By choosing not to directly address the tensions with Malema or respond to the public accusations, Ndlozi has opted for a more measured approach, perhaps signaling his intent to maintain a dignified presence, even as his role in the EFF’s future remains uncertain. As the year ends, the EFF appears to be at a crossroads, with internal rifts and power struggles shaping its direction. Whether Ndlozi will return to a position of influence or step away from the limelight remains to be seen, but his message suggests a desire for peace and continued focus on the party’s ultimate goals.
