EFF leader Julius Malema has sent shockwaves through South African politics with an unprecedented public disavowal of his longtime deputy Floyd Shivambu. In a blunt social media statement, Malema declared he would no longer associate with Shivambu “in any capacity” – whether in Parliament or beyond.
The startling declaration came via Malema’s Twitter account, where he stated: “I am not involved with @FloydShivambu in any way; his problems are unrelated to me.” The message marked a dramatic rupture between the two founding members of South Africa’s third-largest political party, known for presenting a united front despite internal differences.
Political analysts note the unusually personal nature of Malema’s remarks, which included a veiled threat: “He will find us rolling if he comes to Parliament.” This suggests potential confrontations when the seventh Parliament convenes, with Shivambu’s future role now in question.
The fallout comes at a critical juncture for the EFF as it positions itself in an era of complex coalition politics. Some observers suggest this may be less about personal rivalry and more about Malema consolidating control ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
Shivambu, typically outspoken, has remained uncharacteristically silent since the remarks. His absence from recent EFF events has fueled speculation about his standing within the party he helped create.
As Parliament prepares to resume, all eyes will be on whether this rift leads to a formal reorganization of EFF leadership or if the red berets can maintain their combative opposition role despite visible cracks in their top structure. The development threatens to overshadow the party’s legislative agenda as South Africa’s political landscape enters a new phase of realignment.
