EFF leader Julius Malema says he is stepping back from the affairs of the uMkhontho WeSizwe Party, but he still questions Floyd Shivambu’s decision to leave the red berets and join Jacob Zuma’s party.
Malema expressed this opinion regarding Shivambu’s removal from his highly influential role as the secretary-general of the MK Party during the party’s visit to the Pretoria home of the late award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae.
Chweneyagae passed away at his home on May 27. The family later said that he died from natural causes.
“I don’t work with Floyd anywhere; I don’t want to interfere with his business … aya kwini yena [where was he going]? He is not our problem,” Malema said.
His comment made other senior EFF members laugh, such as national spokesperson Sinawo Tambo and the head of the party’s presidency, Vuyani Pambo.
When asked about the recent leadership changes that have reduced Shivambu to a mere backbencher in parliament, Malema and the senior EFF officials smiled.
“When it comes to parliament, you will find us rolling. Young boys now run the parliament; they are the ones in charge.
“If he thinks he [Shivambu] can impose himself, they [EFF MPs] are already ready. So, he will not do anything to undermine the superior logic of the EFF,” Malema said.
Visit to Shepherd Bushiri’s church
At a press conference in Durban on Tuesday, Zuma declared his intention to fire Shivambu as the party secretary-general.
According to the MK Party president, Shivambu’s controversial visit to Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi sparked a lot of complaints, which is why he was sent to parliament.
Shivambu’s visit, according to Zuma and MK Party national chairperson Nathi Nhleko, was in violation of the party’s constitution.
“Based on the deliberations by the national officials, it was reaffirmed that the trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the president, which therefore goes against the constitution of the party,” he said.
“The MK Party and its leadership have been approached by members of various sectors of civil society and have taken due consideration of the gravity of this matter.”
IShivambu responded succinctly, pledging to comply with the party’s decision and accept his redeployment.
To date, Phumlani Mfeka and Bongani Baloyi have been suggested as Shivambu’s replacements.
Mzwanele Manyi’s removal as the chief whip of the official opposition in the National Assembly preceded Shivambu’s ousting.
