Prominent lawyer and political strategist Dali Mpofu has voiced concerns over what he perceives as a “cult-like” following within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema.
In a recent statement, Mpofu, who played a key role in founding the EFF, urged the party’s supporters to move beyond leader worship and focus instead on fostering unity among black South Africans.
Mpofu, now a co-founder of the newly established MK Party, revealed that he had previously attempted to persuade Malema and other EFF leaders to adopt a broader, more inclusive approach. He called on the EFF to dismantle what he described as a “cult” centered around Malema and to work towards building alliances with other political factions, including supporters of former President Jacob Zuma, to create a more unified and impactful movement.
DALI MPOFU
I am a co-founder of MK Party.
EFF people must start looking beyond worshipping a cult of Malema.
Stop treating EFF as a cult.
I tried to convince Julius Malema and his cult to shut down the cult and join Zuma’s cult.
We must just work to unite black people… pic.twitter.com/TnEDbzYjMF
— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) November 7, 2024
“The idolization of Malema as a personality detracts from the EFF’s potential as a democratic political organization,” Mpofu asserted. “EFF supporters must start looking beyond worshipping a cult of Malema. We must work to unite black people rather than deepen divisions based on personality-driven politics.”
Mpofu emphasized that the focus on leader worship undermines the larger goal of uplifting and unifying black South Africans across political and social divides.
He also confirmed that he had informed EFF leaders of his role in launching the MK Party, which he envisions as a platform to address South Africa’s economic inequalities and other pressing issues without falling into the trap of personality-centered leadership.
Mpofu’s call for unity comes amidst increasing factionalism within South Africa’s political landscape, which has hindered collective efforts to tackle the challenges faced by black communities.