South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the radical leftist party led by the controversial Julius Malema, faces a potential crisis following the defection of its powerful deputy leader. Analysts warn that the party, which has been a significant force in South African politics for over a decade, is at risk of collapsing from within.
The EFF, founded in 2013 by Julius Malema and his now-former lieutenant Floyd Shivambu, has attracted a substantial following by advocating for land redistribution and the nationalisation of key economic sectors.
However, the party’s influence waned after a disappointing performance in the May general election, where it secured only 9.5 per cent of the vote. This result was overshadowed by the rise of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, according to the Financial Times.
The election outcome relegated the EFF to the political sidelines, as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) and the centrist Democratic Alliance (DA) formed a unity government with eight other parties, excluding both the EFF and the MK party. This exclusion sparked weeks of internal conflict within the EFF, culminating in Shivambu’s resignation last week to join Zuma’s MK party. Mzwanele Manyi, another key figure within the EFF, also resigned, and more defections are expected.
In his resignation letter, Shivambu described his departure as “a revolutionary act that will allow progressive forces to unite.”
Julius Malema, initially appearing to accept Shivambu’s decision, quickly shifted to a combative stance, accusing “silent enemies” within the EFF of betrayal and urging those unsure of their loyalty to “leave now.” Addressing party members in Soweto, Malema lamented being used by others for personal gain, signalling his deepening frustration with the situation.
Analysts attribute the defections to Julius Malema’s increasingly authoritarian leadership style. Last year, he expelled 200 party members for failing to organise transport for the EFF’s 10th-anniversary celebration. His refusal to relinquish control of the party’s presidency has also fuelled discontent. Adding to the party’s woes is a criminal investigation into the theft of R2 billion ($122 million) from VBS Mutual Bank, in which both Shivambu and Malema have been implicated by the bank’s former chair, who recently took a plea bargain and detailed payments made to the pair.
Ralph Mathekga, an independent political analyst, believes the EFF is on the brink of collapse. “The party was built around Malema, who is now unravelling. I expect the EFF to be decimated in the 2026 local government elections. In the long run, the EFF’s disintegration could lead to a significant realignment in South African politics,” Mathekga said.
He also criticised Julius Malema for failing to institutionalise the party and establish a clear succession plan.
“If Floyd, one of the party’s founders, couldn’t rise to leadership, what hope do other members have?” Mathekga added.
The defections have also dented Julius Malema’s reputation as a shrewd political strategist, particularly after his unsuccessful bargaining with Ramaphosa for positions in the unity government. Despite some reports suggesting that Malema demanded the deputy presidency as a condition for joining the unity government, he denied these claims, stating that he “never asked for any position.”
Julius Malema’s demand that the DA be excluded from the unity government is believed to have backfired, further weakening his position. However, Mathekga cautions against assuming that Zuma’s MK party will benefit from the EFF’s troubles.
“These developments highlight the fragility of South Africa’s leftist parties. The MK party is just as chaotic, and Zuma’s recent electoral success may not be sustainable in the long term,” he said.
The MK party has also been embroiled in controversy, recently firing 18 MPs who had only been sworn in weeks earlier, leading to accusations that the party was trying to install allies of powerful figures, including Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Mbhazima Shilowa, a former ANC leader who has since retired from politics, suggested that Shivambu’s defection might indicate a hostile takeover of the EFF by Zuma’s party. However, he noted that it is still unclear whether this will be a fatal blow to the EFF. “Contrary to the belief that this will strengthen the alliance between the MK party and the EFF, it could have the opposite effect,” Shilowa said.
