The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Mpumalanga’s Nkomazi Sub-Region have been thrown into uncertainty following the resignation of three senior party members on Monday, 11 May 2026. The simultaneous departures of Rechel Nkomo, Sibongiseni Chauke, and Mywonder Ngomane have intensified concerns about internal divisions and leadership disputes within the organisation.
The resignations have drawn significant attention to allegations of poor leadership, internal victimisation, and a lack of democratic processes within the regional structures of the party. The outgoing members claim that growing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction and treatment of long-serving members ultimately influenced their decisions to leave.
Former Ward 21 PR councillor Rechel Nkomo provided one of the most detailed explanations regarding her resignation. She accused the provincial leadership of sidelining experienced members and deliberately disconnecting her from the community she was elected to serve. According to Nkomo, she was frequently deployed to areas outside her ward, making it difficult for her to maintain relationships with her local constituency.
Nkomo also alleged that former members of the 1st Sub-Regional People’s Assembly were being unfairly targeted by the regional chairperson. She further criticised the leadership for making key appointments without consulting ordinary members, creating frustration among party structures and leaving many supporters feeling excluded from important decisions.
The resignation of Sibongiseni Chauke delivered another major setback for the regional leadership. Chauke, who served as the Ehlanzeni District Regional Treasurer, played a significant role in the party’s organisational and financial operations. Although his official resignation statement was brief and cited personal opportunities elsewhere, his departure alongside other senior members has fuelled speculation about deeper internal tensions within the district leadership.
Activist Mywonder Ngomane also raised concerns about the conduct of party leaders. Ngomane alleged that members were subjected to disrespectful treatment and humiliation by the sub-region coordinator while assisting dismissed workers during community activities. In his resignation letter, he claimed that party leaders often treated members with contempt and failed to show basic professional respect.
The coordinated resignations suggest increasing factionalism within the EFF’s Mpumalanga structures. Many of those leaving were among the party’s early supporters who joined in 2013 and now believe the movement has drifted away from its founding principles. The EFF now faces mounting pressure to rebuild unity within its Nkomazi leadership while responding to serious allegations of internal conflict and abuse.
