In a revealing interview on the SMWX podcast, ANC First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane has provided insight into the tense coalition negotiations with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). Mokonyane detailed the heated discussions, particularly highlighting a dramatic exchange with former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu.
Speaking with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Mokonyane explained that the ANC had approached coalition talks with an open mind, engaging various parties—including the EFF, MKP, and even the Freedom Front Plus—to explore potential alliances. However, negotiations quickly became contentious as certain parties made unrealistic demands, ultimately leading to a breakdown in talks.
EFF’s Push to Remove Ramaphosa
One of the major sticking points, Mokonyane revealed, was the EFF’s insistence on President Cyril Ramaphosa stepping down—a demand the ANC flatly refused. Instead, the EFF pushed for the position of deputy president, a proposal that the ANC leadership rejected, emphasizing that coalition discussions were about governance principles, not political ultimatums.
Mokonyane, alongside ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, led a strategy of engaging each party individually to prevent any single faction from gaining excessive influence. “We met with MKP five times, but most discussions were hollow, focused on historical grievances rather than governance,” Mokonyane stated.
Shivambu’s Heated Confrontation
The negotiations took an especially explosive turn when Floyd Shivambu launched into a fierce verbal attack against the ANC leadership. Mokonyane recalled how Shivambu accused the ANC of incompetence, hurled personal insults, and even threatened to rally opposition against them.
“They lectured us, told us how useless we are, and how they are mobilizing progressives to have their own candidate to counter us,” Mokonyane said. “If you know Floyd, you know Floyd. He stood up, left, and that was that.”
EFF and MKP Walk Away from Talks
Despite the ANC’s attempts at inclusivity, the coalition discussions collapsed when the EFF and MKP failed to show up for key meetings, including one on the eve of the Government of National Unity (GNU) swearing-in.
“The last people we spoke to before flying to the Western Cape was MKP. We set up an op centre in Cape Town and called them, but no one showed up,” Mokonyane explained. “Instead, we were told they were protesting in the streets.”
Faced with a lack of engagement from the EFF and MKP, the ANC proceeded with a coalition made up of willing partners, formalizing agreements with those prepared to govern.
Shivambu Hits Back
Following Mokonyane’s revelations, Shivambu dismissed her claims as lies, taking to social media to refute her version of events.
“Do we have medical facilities to cure pathological liars and lies in South Africa, or is it just a condition we should live with?” Shivambu posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Nomvula is a liar, and she knows she’s lying about the negotiation processes. The good thing is that there are recordings of the meetings that happened.”
As tensions between the ANC and EFF continue to simmer, Mokonyane’s disclosures offer a rare glimpse into the high-stakes power struggles shaping South Africa’s political future.
