Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP) Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has reportedly been barred from attending the party’s national elective conference set for December 2024. The news broke late on Saturday, 16 November, with both Sunday World and City Press reporting the decision, leading to widespread shock and speculation.
The announcement sent ripples through social media, where many expressed disbelief at the news given Ndlozi’s longstanding loyalty and significant role within the party. A post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Both Sunday World and City Press are reporting that [the] EFF has banned Mbuyiseni Ndlozi from the party’s elective conference in December.” This revelation has left many questioning the reasoning behind such a move, especially given Ndlozi’s prominence in the party.
Ndlozi has long been seen as one of the key figures in the EFF, known for his fiery speeches and vocal support of the party’s leadership. His apparent exclusion from the upcoming elective conference has raised eyebrows, particularly at a time when speculation about his future within the party is rife. The EFF has faced several high-profile exits recently, fueling further speculation that Ndlozi could be on the brink of a similar departure.
On social media, some commentators expressed skepticism, questioning the reliability of the reports. X user @Presidento78477 wrote, “Is it true, though? If those news outlets told me it would be sunny tomorrow, I’d bring an umbrella.” Others, however, took the news seriously, with some suggesting that Ndlozi might be pushed out of the party entirely.
Many social media users weighed in on the implications of Ndlozi’s exclusion from the conference. @Lindo_Mnisi suggested that if the reports were true, Ndlozi might consider joining other factions like the MKP, saying, “If true, then @MbuyiseniNdlozi should contact @FloydShivambu and join MKP. Nobody will blame him at this stage.” The reference to Floyd Shivambu, the EFF’s deputy president, is significant given the speculation about splits within the party’s leadership.
Others reflected on how the EFF leadership, particularly Julius Malema, has increasingly distanced itself from certain individuals in the party, with @Julius_S_Malema’s leadership style often described as having “constructive dismissal” tactics. Some suggested that Ndlozi’s continued loyalty to the EFF leadership would eventually be tested further, leading to either reconciliation or departure.
While some expressed concern over the party’s internal divisions, others voiced confidence in the EFF’s leadership. @Sesi_Kate, another commenter, remarked: “If it’s true, then who am I to undermine my leadership in general?! What I know is that we’ve got top-five solid leadership. They know what they’re doing!! Ndlozi won’t leave the EFF until his loyalty is completely tested.”
The situation surrounding Ndlozi’s exclusion from the conference has ignited debate on the party’s future, with some believing that this could be a precursor to further internal shifts. However, as of now, the EFF has yet to publicly comment on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered.
The drama surrounding Ndlozi’s future is far from over, and the coming weeks leading up to the elective conference will likely provide more clarity. Will Ndlozi challenge the leadership’s decision, or is this the beginning of his eventual departure from the EFF? Only time will tell, but for now, South Africans are left to watch the unfolding drama with bated breath.
