Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters got a very clear response about the whereabouts of popular MP Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi: he is “cancelled”, at least as far as his influence in the party is concerned.
Julius Malema’s change in posture when answering questions about Ndlozi signaled the extent of the problems at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House since the departure of his once trusted confidante Floyd Shivambu and others who joined Jacob Zuma’s MK Party.
Ndlozi has been in the firing line since Shivambu’s “betrayal”, as Malema calls the aftermath that shook EFF.
As the first day of the conference dawned on Friday, it was clear that rumours that he was banned were true.
The former EFF spokesperson’s absence at the national elective conference held at Nasrec was glaring, and Malema did not mince his words when he shut down any further attempts by journalists to ask about Ndlozi’s status in the party.
Ndlozi’s continued silence and absence from EFF activities leave many wondering if the accomplished politician will remain in the party that has effectively parked him.
In his fiery response on Saturday, Malema reduced questions about Ndlozi to “nonsense” and “newspaper gossip”.
“Why are you concerned about one person over the many people who are here as if he is the conference?” a visibly irritated Malema asked reporters.
“As if it [conference] will not happen? It’s going to happen and it’s happening without him.
“We are dealing with political issues here, not egos, not people who think they are bigger than the organisation, it will show them once again that it’s bigger than all of them.
“As a matter of principle and policy position, we are no longer going to answer any nonsense about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi… Ever.”
Malema’s loaded statement about Ndlozi’s highly publicised no-show at the EFF conference spoke volumes about the rift that has developed between the two politicians.
Ndlozi is banned and gagged.
It was vintage Malema putting his foot down publicly, shutting down the wishes of Ndlozi’s supporters.
The dismissive response summed up Ndlozi’s fate as Malema moves to consolidate power and fend off any manner of challenge from within.
Many had expected Ndlozi to follow in Shivambu’s footsteps given their close working relationship but the former has since renewed his membership.
On the other hand, Malema’s stance won’t bode well with the EFF support base that wanted Ndlozi to be elected into the top six this weekend.
Ndlozi is hugely popular among the red berets, more so the younger supporters who make up EFF’s “generational mission.”
While this is a crucial time for the EFF as it battles to keep it together against the exodus of members dissatisfied with his leadership style, Malema instead doubled down, stamping his authority.
So, where does this leave Ndlozi?
Will he choose to leave EFF or remain a member, prove his loyalty and win back Malema’s trust?
After all, it was EFF MP Tebogo Mokwele who, after she was expelled for taking money donated by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s CR22 campaign, was allowed back into the party, worked her way up leading to her re-appointment as an MP two months ago.
Ndlozi’s next move, should he decide to do anything about this impasse, will be pivotal for the survival of the EFF in the long run.
*The author of this article is journalist Getrude Makhafola. The views expressed by Getrude Makhafola are not necessarily those of The Bulrushes
