A sitting Member of Parliament from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has launched a sharp critique of former Deputy Commander Floyd Shivambu, accusing him of undermining the party’s election efforts in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The MP alleged that Shivambu misled local structures during the last campaign, instructing them to abandon door-to-door mobilization and grassroots engagement—key strategies for voter outreach in the region.
“Floyd deliberately misled us in KZN. He wanted the EFF to get zero votes,” the MP claimed. “He told the structures in KZN that there was no need for door-to-door campaigning.”
These allegations have ignited heated debates both within the EFF and across South Africa’s political landscape. Shivambu, once considered a leading figure in the party, left the EFF under circumstances that have yet to be fully clarified. His departure, coupled with these new accusations, has cast a spotlight on internal divisions within the party and raised questions about its organizational cohesion.
The controversy comes as the EFF grapples with challenges in KZN, a province where the party has struggled to gain significant traction. Political loyalties in the region are predominantly tied to the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), making effective grassroots campaigning essential for the EFF to expand its voter base. Allegations that Shivambu discouraged these efforts suggest that the party’s underperformance in KZN during the last election may have been exacerbated by internal missteps.
Shivambu has yet to address the accusations publicly, and the EFF’s leadership has remained silent on the matter. Insiders indicate that this latest controversy has exposed lingering tensions within the party, potentially impacting its ability to present a unified front as it prepares for future elections.
The timing of these revelations is particularly sensitive for the EFF, which has been striving to solidify its position as a powerful opposition force in South African politics. Analysts suggest that resolving internal disputes and clarifying the circumstances of Shivambu’s departure will be crucial for the party to maintain its momentum and credibility.
While the fallout from these allegations continues to unfold, they highlight the challenges the EFF faces in navigating both internal dynamics and external competition in a highly contested political environment.
