Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was noticeably absent at the party’s third elective conference, currently taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. The three-day National People’s Assembly has raised questions about Ndlozi’s role within the party amid reports of his alleged sidelining.
Outgoing EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini addressed the media, emphasizing that the party would not allow the conference to be reduced to speculation about a single individual. “This NPA will prove that no one is bigger than this organization,” Dlamini said, asserting that the focus remains on the 2,500 delegates in attendance.
Reports of Ndlozi’s Ban
In November, Sunday World reported that Ndlozi had been barred from participating in all EFF political activities, including meetings of the War Council and the Central Command Team (CCT). He was also reportedly placed on leave of absence, limiting his ability to fulfill his parliamentary duties.
Ahead of the conference, EFF leader Julius Malema dismissed the reports as “shebeen gossip,” stating that any official communication regarding Ndlozi would come directly from the party. However, Ndlozi was absent during the build-up to the conference, including the registration process held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus.
A Strategic Silence?
Speculation about Ndlozi’s future in the party has intensified, as his absence from the conference and other party events suggests potential internal discord. When asked about whether Ndlozi was vying for a leadership position, Dlamini reiterated the EFF’s stance of not centering its operations around any individual.
“This is an organization of members of the EFF. If you’re a member, you know what is expected,” Dlamini said.
What’s Next for Ndlozi?
The EFF has not issued any formal statement about Ndlozi’s status, leaving many to wonder about his place in the party’s future. With the conference aiming to elect a new leadership team and set the tone for the EFF’s political agenda, Ndlozi’s absence casts a shadow over proceedings.
The EFF’s leadership has sought to downplay the significance of his absence, but the speculation surrounding Ndlozi highlights broader questions about party unity and internal dynamics as the EFF charts its course for the future.
