Writer: Phurah Jack | Photograph: Supplied
The current situation within the EFF is not merely a political crossroads; it’s a battle for the soul of the movement—an urgent effort to steer it back onto the right path, the path of uMkhonto weSizwe, the spear of Shaka Zulu. This is about far more than positions or personalities; it’s about legacy, principles, and the heart of a movement that must, now more than ever, stay true to its roots.
To begin, we need to clarify a few points, as there seems to be significant misunderstanding—perhaps even deliberate misrepresentation. Recently, comrades, or “fighters,” have voiced concerns over critical developments, particularly the announcement that key EFF leaders are now joining the MK Party. This shift has led many to question whether these leaders are acting out of genuine conviction or deceit. However, the real issue isn’t whether Malema was informed of their decisions; that question distracts from the larger issues and misses the point entirely.
Consider this: both Adv. Dali Mpofu and Comrade Floyd Shivambu’s EFF memberships were set to expire. What does it mean when a membership expires? Does that individual still remain a member? I would argue they do not. Membership isn’t automatic, nor should it be. It requires commitment, action, and conscious renewal—a willingness to formally reaffirm one’s allegiance to the organisation. Imagine occupying high-ranking positions within the EFF yet allowing one’s membership to lapse. For me, this raises serious concerns—not only about their level of commitment but also about trust. How can someone serve at such a high level, shaping decisions that affect the entire movement, yet not hold formal membership status? The choice to renew or let their membership lapse was entirely their own, and any political move they made afterwards was equally personal. They don’t owe anyone an explanation or justification for that choice, especially not to those who play no role in their journey or political commitment.
If Julius Malema himself needs or seeks clarity on this matter, he has the opportunity to do so in a setting that allows for genuine, open conversation. As Adv. Dali Mpofu mentioned in a recent SABC News interview, they often meet in Soweto—a place where comrades come together to share personal experiences and connect outside of the formalities of political life. Any questions Malema may have are open for discussion the next time the cadres gather. He can join them, ask what’s on his mind, and hear directly from those who have stood by his side about what this shift truly means. It’s also worth noting that some in the EFF’s high command were aware of Floyd’s departure well in advance. They understand the deeper context, and as Floyd Shivambu has explained, they can offer Malema the insights he may be seeking. If certain leaders knew of this shift but chose not to inform him, then those very leaders who now speak of “deceit” bear the responsibility to explain why he wasn’t informed.
To those who demand explanations or feel entitled to answers, it’s essential to understand that none are owed. These leaders’ choices, paths, and political journeys are their own, rooted in convictions that go beyond the view or understanding of outside observers. Fighters need to stay in their lanes, respecting the choices others make for their growth, integrity, and vision. Movements don’t thrive by policing each other’s decisions but by trusting that each comrade acts with purpose and respect for the broader mission.
Let’s be clear: the MK Party currently stands as the only real vehicle for meaningful change. Many talk of unity, but when faced with the reality of what true unity—and true leadership—might demand, they falter. We are dealing with leaders who sometimes seem unsure of what they want or what they stand for. The MK Party, with its dedication to the people and the revolution, has emerged as the most capable force to carry forward the true ideals of liberation. And if one day the MK Party were to falter or fail in its mission, nothing would stop us from looking elsewhere, for it is the revolution itself that drives us forward—not loyalty to any single structure but loyalty to the masses of our people and their struggle.
With the proof and experience before us, we must face reality: the EFF was never going to fulfil the role of uniting the masses of our people. That role belongs to the MK Party—a movement rooted in the spirit of uMkhonto weSizwe. It is this movement, and only this movement, that holds the potential to unite the left, to unite the masses, to rally Black people around a shared vision for true liberation and empowerment. This is not just a political manoeuvre; it is a revival of the soul of a movement—a movement that understands the true weight of the revolutionary path and is unafraid to carry it forward.
In the end, the focus must remain on the mission and the people. Those who truly understand this struggle know that we are here to serve the revolution, to ensure that the sacrifices of those who came before us were not in vain. For the soul-searching journey of the EFF to be fruitful, it must remember this truth and act with integrity, focus, and an unwavering commitment to the path of true liberation. This path calls on us to be disciplined, to respect one another’s choices, and to never lose sight of the greater mission that binds us all—the liberation of our people.
