Johannesburg — South Africa’s radical opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is facing internal turmoil as a series of high-profile defections has rocked its ranks. Most recently, prominent advocate and former EFF chairperson Dali Mpofu announced his departure to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the newly formed party associated with former President Jacob Zuma.
Mpofu, who was a founding figure in the EFF, described the move as a deeply considered decision. “I believe [MK] is the vehicle which will achieve the much-needed black and progressive unity,” he told local media. His decision comes on the heels of the EFF’s setback in May’s general election, where it slipped from the third-largest to the fourth-largest party, losing support to MK.
Political analyst Sandile Swana attributes Mpofu’s defection to “political ambition,” noting that MK, led by Zuma, has quickly gained momentum. “If someone wants power, they have a quicker route with MK,” Swana observed, emphasizing the appeal MK holds for those with political aspirations.
Julius Malema, EFF’s leader and known for his charismatic yet polarizing approach, responded to the loss with a calm demeanor, stating on an EFF podcast that Mpofu’s choice was respected. However, tensions surfaced as Floyd Shivambu, Malema’s former deputy and recent MK convert, took to social media to welcome Mpofu to MK, citing the party’s “superior ideological and organizational capacity.”
The defections have underscored a period of soul-searching for the EFF as it grapples with leadership challenges and shifting political loyalties. Despite the setbacks, Malema remains firm, insisting the EFF “stands strong and will not bow to a criminal syndicate.” Nonetheless, analysts suggest that the recent exodus highlights a rejection of Malema’s perceived “dictatorial” style and the growing appeal of MK’s platform under Zuma’s experienced, if controversial, leadership.
