EFF MP Sinawo Thambo just went on social media to flex the party’s loyalty, claiming the EFF stood by the MK Party when everyone else was demanding they dump them. According to Thambo, there were calls for MK to cut ties with what he’s calling a hate group, but the EFF refused to abandon their political allies.
Thambo’s message was crystal clear the EFF operates on principles, not ultimatums. He emphasized that the party won’t fold under pressure from other groups trying to dictate who they should associate with. This comes after MK Party MP Comrade Nathi Nhleko defended his party in Parliament, stating that MK is firmly opposed to xenophobia and afrophobia, and that the group in question isn’t even an official MK affiliate.
We stood and defended the MKP, when there were calls for them to disassociate with the hate group called March what what, or leave.
As a matter of principle, we said we cannot operate on the basis of ultimatums – this followed Comrade Nathi Nhleko providing an acceptable… pic.twitter.com/zOkpYk424F
— Sinawo Thambo (@Sinawo_Thambo) May 31, 2026
The EFF MP took a jab at critics, saying “If you listen to illiterates who are obsessed with the EFF, you will end up fighting even those who defend you.” It’s a pointed dig at detractors who he suggests are more focused on attacking the EFF than understanding the bigger picture.
The statement has split social media down the middle. Some South Africans are praising the EFF for showing loyalty and standing firm on principle, while others are slamming the strong language Thambo used. The EFF is doubling down though, making it clear they’ll keep defending their political partners based on what they believe is right, regardless of outside pressure or criticism from rival parties.
Is the EFF showing principled leadership by defending allies, or are they compromising their values by standing with controversial groups?