EFF Member of Parliament has urged former Deputy President Floyd Shivambu to disclose the names of party leaders who were aware of his intention to leave the party. The MP believes Shivambu’s failure to disclose names of the leaders who knew about his plans is unfairly casting suspicion over all EFF leadership, creating potential risks for the party’s reputation and the personal safety of its members.
The MP argued that Shivambu’s withholding of this information could foster distrust among the EFF’s base, known as the “ground forces,” who may view the silence as a sign of deceit within party leadership. “It is dangerous and threatens our safety. Ground forces will never trust us and may beat us up for knowing and us not taking the Commander-in-Chief and the organisation into confidence,” the MP stated. Expressing a sense of betrayal, the MP accused Shivambu of painting all remaining leaders “with the same brush” of suspicion, leaving them under a “dark cloud.”
It is dangerous & threatens our safety. Ground forces will never trust us & may beat us up for knowing & us not taking CiC & the organisation into confidence. You have left a dark cloud on our head & painted us with the same brush, forever we shall smell…..tell their names ! https://t.co/TFDDaLPYTt
— Godrich Gardee (@GardeeGodrich) October 27, 2024
Since his departure, speculation has swirled around internal rifts within the EFF. As one of the founding members and a close ally of EFF leader Julius Malema, Shivambu’s exit has raised questions about the unity and direction of the party. The MP emphasised that if Shivambu fails to name those who allegedly knew about his departure in advance, it could lead to negative perceptions of the party and risk the loyalty and morale of supporters.
The EFF leadership has not commented on the MP’s statement, nor has Shivambu responded to calls for clarification. The issue has added to a growing narrative of tension and accountability within the party’s ranks as it prepares for the upcoming election cycle.
