In a surprising turn of events Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF’s) Vice President Floyd Shivambu has officially resigned from the party and will be joining Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe on Thursday.
Shivambu who met Zuma at his KwaDakwadunuse homestead in Nkandla on the eve of the national general elections, is expected to become a Member of Parliament for the MK.
He cited his political development as the reason behind his exit, dispelling rumours that his departure is due to political infighting.
“I’ve never in my service of the organisation acted against the organisation’s principles. I’ve never compromised my commitment to true emancipation. The organisation should not mischaracterise my revolutionary decision to not renew my membership. I request that I be relieved of all my deployment in the spheres of the organisation. Political decisions should never be received as betrayal,” he said.
Floyd Shivambu wished the EFF “pure success and prosperity”, saying the struggle for economic freedom must never be compromised by an individual decision.
“I have decided to join the ranks of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and will be actively involved in shaping the politics of the country. There’s is no specific position that will be assigned to me, there is no promise of any deployment.”
Julius Malema expressed his hurt at losing one of the members who founded EFF.
“When he sent me a letter on Wednesday, I felt the same pain when I received the news of the passing away of my mother because Floyd to me is not just a comrade, he is a brother and will remain a brother even as he pursues his political career differently.
“We formed this political party together, and I have told him that resigning from EFF is the same as resigning from himself,” Malema added.
Malema said despite his party’s constitution not allowing former members to return to its ranks after their departure, the party would welcome him Shivambu back as a founding member should he reconsider his decision.
“We have never been through this as a party. We are going to have to get through this as an organisation. This is not a dying moment for the EFF. We are going to need to consolidate as a party as we head to a new chapter.”
Shivambu is not leaving alone. Other members, such as former President Jacob Zuma’s spokesperson, Jimmy Manyi also resigned.
