Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s resignation as an EFF Member of Parliament has sent shockwaves through South African politics, but insiders say the move was long in the making. Despite his prominent role as the EFF’s former spokesperson, recent events have suggested that Ndlozi’s relationship with party leader Julius Malema had been deteriorating for some time. His absence from the EFF’s elective conference in December was the final signal that he was no longer in Malema’s inner circle, marking a shift that many close to the party had quietly anticipated.
The news of his departure has raised numerous questions, leaving political analysts and EFF supporters alike speculating about the reasons behind it and what the future holds for the once-charismatic leader. While Ndlozi has not formally resigned from the party, stepping down as an MP was seen as a significant move that pointed to a deepening rift within the party’s ranks.
In a rare interview, Ndlozi hinted at life beyond politics, suggesting he could be looking at business opportunities or a new career path. “I obtained a PhD in Political Sociology at the University of Witwatersrand in 2017,” he mentioned, indicating that his future may lie outside the political sphere if his relationship with the EFF continues to falter. His remarks only fueled speculation about his next steps, leaving many to wonder if he’s preparing for a new chapter entirely.
Ndlozi’s close ties with former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who made a highly publicized defection to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in August, have also been seen as a factor in his departure. Malema’s public criticism of Ndlozi for allegedly keeping the secret of Shivambu’s resignation was a turning point in their relationship, with insiders suggesting that Ndlozi’s failure to inform Malema about Shivambu’s plans left a deep mark on the party’s leadership.
The possibility of Ndlozi joining Shivambu and other former EFF leaders in the MK party has been circulating, although this has not been officially confirmed. If true, it would mark a dramatic shift for a leader who once stood at the forefront of the EFF’s fight for economic freedom. For the EFF, Ndlozi’s resignation is yet another blow in a year marked by high-profile exits, including several senior figures who have moved to the MK party.
For many, Ndlozi represented the voice of the youth within the EFF, speaking out on issues of economic injustice, education, and unemployment. His departure will likely leave a void in the party’s appeal to young South Africans who saw him as a symbol of their frustrations and hopes for a better future. His energetic speeches, filled with passion for radical change, made him a standout figure among EFF supporters, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt across the country, especially among those who saw him as an icon of hope in the fight for social justice.
As Ndlozi steps away from Parliament, the future of his political career remains uncertain. While he hasn’t fully ruled out the possibility of a return to politics, his next move will be watched closely by the public. Whether he ventures into business, academia, or something entirely different, one thing is certain: the departure of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi marks the end of an era for the EFF, and his next steps will shape the narrative of South African politics in the years to come.
