Floyd Shivambu’s exit from the EFF was not a hasty departure but was part of a meticulously planned strategy.
The former EFF deputy president intended to make his move public at the party’s national conference in December by declining nomination for a leadership position and dropping a bombshell that he wouldn’t renew his party membership.
Sunday World has learnt that Shivambu’s deep dissatisfaction with the current state of South African politics was at the root of his plan to jump ship and abandon the red sea.
Then, the MKP, the party he joined after leaving the EFF was not even his political home of choice.
The MKP, led by former president Jacob Zuma, announced Shivambu as its national organiser at a press conference on Thursday.
Shivambu confided in close associates that the political arena had deviated from the revolutionary ideals he held dear, becoming mired in constant mudslinging.
“This disillusionment was a significant driving force behind his decision to leave the EFF,” said a confidante.
Another source with intimate knowledge also claims that Shivambu was planning to take a political sabbatical to reflect on his political future and start a national dialogue where citizens from different political parties would share their honest opinions about the state of South African politics.
“Floyd was planning to ignite a fire of political debate and allow people to burn their political differences to build a stronger black progressive caucus and prepare for the 2029 elections,” the source said.
Our source also confirmed that Shivambu wasn’t planning to join Zuma’s MKP but “something happened that made him join the party either to make a political statement or try to build a stronger MK Party before the next elections”.
Despite Shivambu’s carefully laid plans, the allure of a fresh political path proved irresistible earlier than anticipated.
However, his discussions with the MK Party came as a “shock” to the leaders of the party, according to insiders.
“He signalled his urgent need for a new platform, and the MK Party’s enticing offer, which included significant responsibilities and influence, sealed the deal.”
Interestingly, Shivambu did not -encourage EFF members to follow him to his new political home, indicating a desire for a clean break and perhaps a different vision for his future, sources said.
Another source added that Shivambu discouraged other EFF members who wanted to follow him. “Floyd seems to suggest that something personal happened to him that forced him to leave EFF and join MK, but nobody knows what happened,” the source said.
On making the announcement of Shivambu as its national organiser, the MKP revealed it has given him substantial powers to shape the party’s structure and ideological direction.
This rapid ascension underscores the party’s recognition of Shivambu’s -strategic value and their eagerness to leverage his experience and substantial political network.
But the back story adds another layer of intrigue. A senior ANC leader revealed Shivambu was considered for a ministerial position in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of national unity provided, the EFF agreed to come on board the multiparty coalition cobbled after the May 29 elections.
However, the consideration dated back to 2017, evidencing long-standing discussions to integrate EFF members like Shivambu and EFF president -Julius Malema into Ramaphosa’s cabinet.
According to a source with intimate details of the talks, Malema could have become the minister of minerals and energy had all gone according to plan.
However, the anti-EFF faction of hardliners within the ANC thwarted these plans, and subsequent negotiations between the ANC and EFF in the government of national unity faltered, leading to the DA becoming the ANC’s preferred partner.
Shivambu’s immediate future in the MKP involves an extensive familiarisation tour.
“He will spend the next month engaging with party structures across the country, listening to convenors at various levels,” said a source in the party.
This period is crucial for Shivambu to understand the internal dynamics of the party and prepare a comprehensive action plan.
Only after laying the groundwork will Shivambu articulate his strategic plan to advance the MKP objectives.
Meanwhile, Bongani Mdakane reports that former president of the EFF Student Command Sihle Lonzi has published on social media what appears to be a war of words between him and Shivambu over the latter’s decision to dump the red berets.
