After weeks of intense speculation, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has confirmed that Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a prominent figure in the party, has resigned from his position as a Member of Parliament. Alongside him, fellow parliamentarian Yazini Tetyana also announced her departure, adding weight to ongoing discussions about the future of these high-profile political figures within South Africa’s evolving political landscape.
The EFF made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that both Ndlozi and Tetyana had requested to be relieved from their parliamentary duties. In a brief statement, the party confirmed the voluntary resignations of both representatives, acknowledging their contributions to the EFF’s efforts in the National Assembly. “The EFF has received the voluntary resignation of Fighter Yazini Tetyana and Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi as representatives of the EFF in the Parliament of South Africa,” the statement read. “The EFF has accepted the respective voluntary requests to be released from deployment of the two fighters, who have diligently served the organisation in their respective deployments.”
Ndlozi’s resignation marks the end of an era for a man who has been one of the most outspoken and charismatic voices within the EFF since its inception. As a key advocate for the party’s message of economic justice, Ndlozi built a strong following among younger South Africans who resonate with his uncompromising stance on social change and economic reform. His departure, however, is not without controversy. Speculation had been swirling for weeks about his future within the party, particularly regarding tensions with EFF leader Julius Malema. Sources close to the matter have pointed to a deteriorating relationship between the two men, possibly exacerbated by Ndlozi’s exclusion from the upcoming EFF elective conference. His absence from the crucial event has led to increasing rumours that he might be considering a shift toward the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, which is viewed by some as a more radical alternative.
As tensions grow within the EFF, the departure of Ndlozi and Tetyana represents more than just the exit of two prominent members—it signifies a deeper divide within the party. The EFF, which has prided itself on being a movement for radical change, now faces internal struggles that reflect a broader shift in South Africa’s political landscape. Ndlozi, known for his intellectual rigor and fiery oratory, has often been at odds with figures like Godrich Gardee, the former EFF secretary who enjoys the favour of the current leadership. This divergence of vision between party elites and rising voices in the movement has sparked heated debates about the future direction of the EFF.
What makes Ndlozi’s resignation particularly significant is the influence he wields among the younger, more progressive wing of the party. His rhetoric around economic freedom, the redistribution of land, and the decolonisation of education resonates deeply with a generation eager for a radical shift in the country’s socioeconomic structures. His departure thus raises critical questions about whether the EFF can continue to appeal to this demographic in the absence of its most dynamic and passionate spokesperson.
Moreover, the resignations come at a time when the EFF is struggling with its internal cohesion and facing challenges from competing political forces. The party has long positioned itself as the voice of the disenfranchised, but the widening rift between its old guard and younger members could weaken its standing in the years to come. The rise of alternative political formations, particularly those looking to build on the legacy of the African National Congress’s armed wing, might offer new opportunities for figures like Ndlozi, who may feel alienated from the EFF’s increasingly centralized leadership.
In many ways, the resignations of Ndlozi and Tetyana force a moment of reckoning for the EFF and its future. While the party remains a powerful force in South African politics, it now finds itself at a crossroads, with its unity tested by the aspirations of its younger, more radical members and the interests of its established leadership. The political climate in South Africa is in flux, and the departure of these key figures will undoubtedly have ripple effects, not just within the EFF but across the broader political landscape as well.
As the situation unfolds, the South African public will be watching closely to see where Ndlozi, Tetyana, and other members of the EFF’s disaffected wing decide to channel their energies next. Whether they remain within the political system or seek alternative avenues for their activism will likely shape the country’s political discourse for years to come. One thing, however, is clear: the resignation of these two high-profile figures marks the end of a significant chapter in South African politics and the beginning of an uncertain new phase.