Mzwanele Manyi, former African Transformation Movement (ATM) member, and the Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson, a recent member of the EFF, has been confirmed to be elevated to the national legislature.
Manyi resigned from ATM in May and is expected to be sworn in as a member of Parliament. This confirmation was made in a government gazette dated 5 June 2023, signed by secretary of parliament, Xolile George. The EFF recently reviewed its list for party members in the national legislature.
Alongside Manyi, EFF’s former treasurer-general Leigh-Ann Mathys and former member of kwaito group Trompies, Eugene Mthethwa have also been included as new MPs for the red berets. Their appointment were effective from 1 June.
Manyi, a former ANC member for 30 years, spent almost four years as a leader in the ATM before joining the EFF less than a year before the 2024 general elections and after leaving the ATM, he praised the EFF as the right home for him. The speaker made it clear that his statement was not meant to criticise the ATM, which he still views as a strong organization with potential for growth.
He expressed his belief that the leadership of the EFF are reasonable individuals, some of whom he has worked with in the past, and that he is confident they will be able to find common ground and work together. He announced his decision to join the EFF as a regular member and intends to contribute in that role.
Taking to Twitter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, expressed her happiness, saying she was excited to see the difference Manyi will make for South Africans.
“Honourable Mzwanele Manyi…I Am So Happy For You And Excited To See The Difference You Will Make For Our People. I Know Your Heart And The Passion You Have For South Africa And Africa! Fight On Fighter!!!”.