JOHANNESBURG, Aug 15 – Floyd Shivambu, the deputy leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has resigned from the party to join former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political dynamics.
Shivambu’s departure is a major blow to the EFF, which saw its support drop below 10% in May’s national election. Meanwhile, MK, under Zuma’s leadership, surged to become the third-largest party in parliament. The move highlights the growing influence of MK, especially in Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Both the EFF and MK are part of a leftist opposition alliance formed to challenge the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance. However, Shivambu’s switch to MK indicates the party’s rising appeal, driven by Zuma’s popularity.
“This is a critical moment for the EFF. They must either survive this test or face collapse,” EFF leader Julius Malema said during a press briefing.
Zuma was expelled from the ANC earlier this year but has since led MK to exceed expectations in the recent elections, contributing to the ANC’s vote share dropping below 50%. Both EFF and MK advocate for policies like the nationalization of banks and mines and land expropriation to benefit Black farmers, while opposing what they call “white monopoly capital” in South Africa’s economy.
