Floyd Shivambu: From EFF Stalwart to MK Party Member – A Political Journey Marked by Controversy
Floyd Shivambu's recent departure from the EFF to join the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
Floyd Shivambu has long been a significant figure in South African politics, known for his fiery rhetoric and radical stance on economic transformation. As the deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Shivambu played a crucial role in shaping the party's direction and policies. However, his recent departure from the EFF to join the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. This move has fueled speculation about the underlying reasons, with many pointing to the infamous VBS Mutual Bank scandal and an alleged fallout with EFF leader Julius Malema as possible catalysts.
A History Rooted in Struggle
Born in 1983 in the impoverished village of Mahonisi in Limpopo, Floyd Shivambu's early life was shaped by economic hardship. His parents, who sold hand-sewn duvets and pillowcases on the streets of Johannesburg, often faced harassment from authorities. This background instilled in him a deep empathy for the struggles of informal traders and a fierce opposition to the injustices they face.
Shivambu's political journey began in his youth, inspired by local politicians and the political literature his father owned. His passion for social justice and radical change grew during his time at the University of Witwatersrand, where he became deeply involved in student politics. His leadership of the Student Representative Council at Wits and his subsequent involvement with the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, where he formed a close alliance with Julius Malema, set the stage for his future political career.
Together, Malema and Shivambu became key players in the ANC Youth League, championing radical policies aimed at transforming South Africa's socio-economic landscape. Their influence was instrumental in the political downfall of Thabo Mbeki and the rise of Jacob Zuma, reflecting their growing power within the ANC.
Contributions to the EFF
In 2013, disillusioned with the direction of the ANC, Shivambu, Malema, and others broke away to form the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). As the party's deputy president, Shivambu was at the forefront of its efforts to advocate for the nationalisation of key industries, land expropriation without compensation, and the redistribution of wealth. His Marxist-Leninist beliefs were central to the EFF's platform, and he played a significant role in drafting the party's seven cardinal pillars, which continue to define its agenda.
Under Shivambu's leadership, the EFF grew into a formidable opposition party, challenging the ANC's dominance and pushing for radical economic reforms. His strategic thinking and ability to leverage political opportunities made him a key figure in the party's rise.
The VBS Scandal: A Turning Point
However, Shivambu's political career has not been without controversy. One of the most significant scandals to tarnish his reputation was his alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. In 2018, it was revealed that VBS, a bank that primarily served poor and rural communities, had been looted to the tune of nearly R2 billion. The collapse of the bank led to significant financial losses for municipalities, pensioners, and ordinary citizens who had entrusted their savings to the institution.
Shivambu and his brother, Brian, were accused of benefiting from the looting, with allegations that they received millions of rands from the bank. While Shivambu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the scandal has cast a long shadow over his political career and the EFF as a whole. The party, which had positioned itself as a champion of the poor and marginalised, found its credibility severely undermined by the allegations.
The VBS scandal not only damaged Shivambu's reputation but also strained his relationship with Malema. Despite their long-standing alliance, the scandal brought to the surface tensions within the party's leadership, with some insiders suggesting that Malema was growing increasingly frustrated with the negative attention the scandal brought to the EFF.
Fallout with Malema and the Move to the MK Party
In August 2024, Shivambu made the surprising announcement that he was leaving the EFF to join the MK party. During a press briefing, Shivambu stated that his decision was not a vote of no confidence in the EFF, but rather a personal choice. He requested to be released from all positions within the party and expressed his wishes for the EFF's continued success.
However, behind the scenes, it appears that Shivambu's departure was the culmination of a bitter fallout with Malema. According to sources within the EFF, Shivambu had been approached by a group of wealthy businesspeople who promised to fund a campaign for him to challenge Malema for the party's leadership. When Malema discovered this, their relationship reportedly deteriorated rapidly, leading Shivambu to submit his resignation.
Malema, for his part, expressed deep sadness over Shivambu's departure, likening the pain to the loss of his own mother. He emphasised that Shivambu would never be considered an enemy of the EFF and that the party's doors would always be open for him.
Speculations on the Real Reasons Behind the Move
While Shivambu has not publicly disclosed the full reasons for his departure from the EFF, many observers speculate that the VBS scandal played a significant role. The scandal has not only damaged Shivambu's personal reputation but has also cast a long shadow over the EFF, a party that prides itself on fighting corruption. By leaving the EFF and joining the MK party, Shivambu may be seeking to distance himself from the scandal and start afresh in a new political environment.
Additionally, the move to the MK party, led by Jacob Zuma, may reflect a return to his earlier political roots and alliances. Zuma, who has had his own share of legal battles and controversies, may offer Shivambu a more sympathetic platform from which to rebuild his political career.
Conclusion
Floyd Shivambu's departure from the EFF marks the end of an era for a politician who has been at the heart of South Africa's political transformation over the past two decades. While his move to the MK party has raised many questions, it is clear that the VBS scandal and his strained relationship with Julius Malema were key factors in this decision. As Shivambu embarks on this new chapter, the South African political landscape will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges ahead and what impact his departure will have on the future of the EFF.
