Floyd Shivambu, of the MK Party and former EFF deputy president, has responded to Collen Malatjie’s assertion that he was the “stumbling block” preventing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from joining the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Malatjie, president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), made the comments during a media address celebrating the Youth League’s 80th anniversary. He suggested that Shivambu’s departure from the EFF could pave the way for the party to join the GNU, implying that Shivambu’s presence was the obstacle.
Shivambu swiftly refuted Malatjie’s claims on X, stating that he had warned against mischaracterising the EFF’s decision not to join the GNU. He emphasised that his departure from the EFF was a “revolutionary and disciplined decision” and not a retreat.
The EFF has consistently maintained that it will only join the GNU if its conditions are met, as reiterated by party leader Julius Malema in June 2024. Shivambu’s response clarifies that his departure does not change the EFF’s stance on the matter.
The exchange has sparked debate, with some South Africans criticising Malatjie for his perceived failure to effectively represent the youth as ANCYL president. The invitation to the EFF to join the GNU remains on the table, but it seems unlikely that the party will accept without its conditions being met.
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