In a move signaling deepening divisions within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), party leader Julius Malema has reportedly ordered the removal of all songs associated with former spokesperson Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi from official EFF platforms.
According to senior party sources, the directive came during a closed Central Command Team meeting where Malema allegedly criticized Ndlozi’s “growing disloyalty.” The former spokesperson has been conspicuously absent from recent party activities, fueling speculation about his strained relationship with the leadership.
Ndlozi’s revolutionary anthems – including popular tracks like “Soldiers of the EFF” and “Commander in Chief” – had become integral to the party’s cultural identity, often energizing crowds at rallies and events. His unique blend of political messaging and musical performance helped shape the EFF’s grassroots appeal.
“The CIC [Commander-in-Chief] was clear: no one is bigger than the movement,” a senior EFF official told us anonymously. “When someone distances themselves, we can’t keep promoting their work as if nothing happened.”
The purge appears to be already underway, with several Ndlozi tracks disappearing from the EFF’s website and digital albums. Party insiders describe the move as both a disciplinary measure and symbolic break from a once-prominent figure.
Ndlozi’s allies have condemned the decision as petty retaliation. “These songs belong to the struggle, not to individuals,” said one associate. “Erasing them is like erasing part of the EFF’s own history.”
Political analysts suggest the move reflects broader tensions as the EFF prepares for its 2024 National People’s Assembly. “This is classic Malema – consolidating control while sending a message about absolute loyalty,” said political analyst Lebohang Mokoena. “But it risks alienating the intellectual base Ndlozi represented.”
The EFF has not issued an official statement, leaving unclear whether this is a permanent ban or a temporary measure pending reconciliation. Meanwhile, the disappearance of Ndlozi’s music – once the soundtrack of EFF events – leaves a noticeable void in the party’s cultural arsenal.
As the red berets gear up for elections, this cultural purge raises questions about internal unity and whether the party’s famed discipline might be hardening into intolerance for dissent.