Floyd Shivambu, the deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has announced his resignation from the party. He revealed this decision today, explaining that he will be joining the newly formed Umkhonto We Sizwe Party, created by former president Jacob Zuma.
Shivambu said he will step down from his role as a Member of Parliament and resign from all positions within the EFF. He clarified that he is leaving the EFF to join Umkhonto We Sizwe and will be actively involved in shaping its direction and politics.
“My nonrenewal of EFF membership is not a vote of no confidence in the organization but a revolutionary act that will allow progressive forces to unite and work towards the agenda. The progressive and revolutionary change. I have never in my service of the organization acted outside its democratic and revolutionary decisions. I have served with discipline and humility,” said Shivambu.
EFF leader Julius Malema accepted Shivambu’s resignation and stated that although he usually does not allow former members to return, he is open to giving Shivambu a second chance. Malema noted that Shivambu was not just a member but a founder of the EFF.
Malema stated: “This is a testing moment. An organization that has lived beyond 10-years has never been through this testing moment. This is not the end, it’s a beginning of a journey because we have turned 10-years, and this is a new chapter for the EFF.”
Malema said EFF members must expect some more resignations. “Floyd is not the only one. Jimmy Manyi has also resigned to go and join MK. There will be many others who are going to leave the EFF because they have got their loyalty and support to the Deputy President,” said Malema.
Malema said the pain he felt to lose Floyd to MK equals to the pain he felt when he lost his mother.