Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has publicly defended his former leader, Julius Malema, against derogatory comments made by Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene, who recently referred to Malema as a “small boy,” “toy soldier,” and “pest.” Ndlozi, once a prominent figure in the EFF, emphasized Malema’s significance as a revolutionary leader and situated the criticism within South Africa’s complex political environment.
During an appearance on the Podcast and Chill with MacG, Ndlozi dismissed Kunene’s insults, arguing that Malema’s support for the controversial struggle song Dubuli Bhunu (Kill the Boer) was rooted in anti-apartheid resistance rather than racial animosity. He compared Malema’s stance to historical figures like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Peter Mokaba, stating that the song symbolized liberation, not hatred toward white South Africans. “Our ancestors didn’t teach us hatred. Mama Winnie and Mokaba chanted this song to fight for freedom, not to promote division,” Ndlozi said.
Ndlozi’s defense comes amid a strained relationship with the EFF. Once a key ally of Malema and the party’s spokesperson, Ndlozi was sidelined following internal disputes, including accusations of disloyalty tied to his association with former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who later joined the MK Party in 2024. Despite this, Ndlozi maintained his respect for Malema, saying, “I hold nothing in my heart against the president of the EFF. His contributions are of serious importance.”
In February 2025, Ndlozi resigned from the EFF, citing a move toward academia and civil society. He clarified that his departure was not due to personal grievances but ideological differences, particularly the party’s alignment with former President Jacob Zuma and the MK Party, which he linked to the EFF’s electoral losses in 2024.
Malema, recently re-elected as EFF president, has downplayed questions about Ndlozi’s absence from party affairs, asserting that the organization does not rely on any single individual. “We refuse to reduce the EFF to one person. The conference proceeds with or without him,” Malema stated during the EFF’s December 2024 elective assembly.
Ndlozi’s defense of Malema highlights the intricate dynamics within South Africa’s left-wing politics. Despite their fractured professional relationship, Ndlozi’s refusal to denounce Malema suggests enduring respect for his leadership amid broader ideological conflicts. As Ndlozi shifts his focus to radio broadcasting and civil activism, his comments underscore the ongoing tensions between personal loyalty and political strategy in a divided movement.