South Africa’s political arena was jolted on Monday after EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu made a startling and highly figurative comparison during a public address, claiming that “MK Party is led by Paul Biya and the EFF is led by Mobutu Sese Seko Dada.”
Shivambu’s comments, delivered during a heated discussion on leadership styles and ideological direction within South African politics, were not literal but metaphorical — a provocative attempt to highlight what he described as “authoritarian tendencies and myth-making” in rival political movements.
According to those present, Shivambu argued that the political environment has become saturated with personality cults and undemocratic behaviour, prompting him to compare local party leaders to long-serving African strongmen. “Some of these formations are drifting into territory we should never allow in a constitutional democracy,” he said.
His remarks immediately sparked intense reaction online. Critics accused him of sensationalism and deflection, arguing that the comparisons were irresponsible and risked inflaming tensions. Supporters, however, defended the comments as sharp political critique meant to expose what they believe are worrying leadership patterns in emerging parties.
Political analysts noted that Shivambu’s comments appear aimed at repositioning the EFF within a shifting electoral landscape, particularly as the MK Party continues to attract large crowds. “This is classic political framing,” one analyst said. “He is trying to draw a stark contrast, even if the analogy is deliberately provocative.”
The MK Party dismissed the remarks as “childish rhetoric unworthy of response,” while several EFF members privately expressed surprise at the explosive comparison.
As the debate continues, Shivambu’s statement has once again illustrated how South Africa’s heated political climate leaves little room for subtlety — and how metaphors, however controversial, can rapidly reshape public discourse.
