In a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape, Floyd Shivambu, the deputy leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has resigned from the party to join former President Jacob Zuma’s new political force, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). This move is a major setback for the EFF, led by Julius Malema, as it struggles to maintain its influence following a disappointing performance in the May national elections.
Shivambu’s Defection Bolsters Zuma’s MK
Shivambu’s departure from the EFF to align with MK, a party formed and led by Zuma, underscores the rising appeal of the former president’s influence, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. MK’s rapid ascent in South African politics was evident in the recent elections, where it surged ahead to become the third-largest party in parliament, overtaking the EFF.
The defection of a prominent figure like Shivambu is expected to further strengthen MK’s position, particularly among leftist voters disillusioned with the EFF’s recent trajectory. The EFF, which has aligned itself with MK in a leftist opposition alliance, now faces an existential crisis. Julius Malema, responding to Shivambu’s departure, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a testing moment… the EFF will have to pass this test or it will have to die.”
EFF and MK: Similar Policies, Different Momentum
Both the EFF and MK share a common political ideology, advocating for the nationalization of key industries such as banks and mines, and the expropriation of land to benefit Black South Africans. They are also vocal critics of what they term “white monopoly capital,” which they argue continues to control South Africa’s wealth three decades after the end of apartheid.
However, while their policies may be similar, the momentum behind each party is diverging. MK’s recent electoral success, fueled by Zuma’s enduring popularity and his expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC), contrasts sharply with the EFF’s decline. The EFF’s share of the vote dropped below 10% in the latest elections, raising concerns about its future viability as a major political force.
Zuma’s Rising Influence and the Future of South African Politics
Jacob Zuma’s MK party has quickly become a formidable player in South African politics. After his expulsion from the ANC earlier this year, Zuma has capitalized on his base in KwaZulu-Natal and discontent with the ANC’s governance to build a new political movement. MK’s success in the elections was instrumental in reducing the ANC’s share of the vote below 50%, forcing the ruling party into a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
As MK continues to grow, the political dynamics in South Africa are shifting. Shivambu’s defection is a clear sign of the changing tides, as key figures from established parties are drawn to the new momentum that MK represents. This development could lead to further realignments within South Africa’s political landscape, particularly among left-leaning parties.
With the EFF now facing internal challenges and MK on the rise, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of opposition politics in South Africa. The question remains whether the EFF can recover from this blow and what role MK will play in shaping the country’s political direction.
Source: Reuters
