Speculation continues to swirl over the future of Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), following his unexpected resignation from his position as a Member of Parliament (MP) last Thursday. While the party has accepted his resignation as voluntary, political analysts believe the decision signals more than just a departure from the National Assembly—it could mark the beginning of Ndlozi’s eventual exit from the EFF altogether.
For the past five months, since the departure of prominent EFF leader Floyd Shivambu to the MKP, Ndlozi has found himself increasingly isolated within the party. His absence from the EFF’s recent elective conference, coupled with his ban from participating in crucial internal meetings such as the War Council and Central Command Team (CCT), indicated that his relationship with the party had soured. The resignation of Ndlozi, along with fellow MP Yazini Tetyana, has only fueled further speculation about the state of the EFF’s internal dynamics.
Political analyst Thobani Zikalala believes that Ndlozi’s resignation is a clear sign of a deeper crisis within the party. “Dr. Ndlozi’s resignation is a matter of implosion within the EFF, with several people becoming disillusioned with where the party is headed,” Zikalala stated. He further argued that the EFF, once seen as a rising political force, is now facing its limits. “The EFF’s political project has reached its ceiling, and the departure of a leader like Ndlozi is a blow to its credibility,” he added.
Ndlozi, who was once a prominent figure in the EFF, has seen his role within the party diminish in recent months. His attempt to contest for higher positions within the organization ended in failure, further alienating him from key party leaders. According to Zikalala, this internal power struggle, combined with the public ridicule he has faced, has made it increasingly difficult for Ndlozi to remain in the party. “The abuse and humiliation he has faced in public will only intensify if he chooses to stay,” Zikalala warned, suggesting that it may be in Ndlozi’s best interest to sever ties with the party entirely.
In response to the resignations, the EFF issued a statement acknowledging the voluntary departures of both Ndlozi and Tetyana. The statement praised their service to the party, but it also highlighted the party’s collective approach to leadership. “The EFF will not reduce the party’s elective conference to an individual,” said Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini, referring to Ndlozi’s exclusion from the conference. This sentiment underscores the growing friction between Ndlozi and the party’s leadership, which has been underscored by the ongoing tension and public spats within the organization.
Political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng weighed in, emphasizing that Ndlozi had long been on the receiving end of public humiliation, particularly from party leader Julius Malema. “Julius Malema has made it a habit to insult and speak negatively about his own political partners, which is not surprising given the rifts within the party,” she said. For Ngoasheng, the fallout was inevitable, as Ndlozi has never been one to stay silent in the face of such public attacks.
As the dust settles on Ndlozi’s resignation, many are left questioning the future of the EFF. With the party’s internal conflicts reaching new heights and key figures like Ndlozi distancing themselves from the movement, the once-vibrant political force faces an uncertain future. Whether or not Ndlozi will ultimately leave the party for good remains to be seen, but the signs suggest that his time within the EFF may be coming to an end.
