South Africa
Political analyst – Shivambu’s move to Zuma’s MKP a political ploy?─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 05:20 Sat, 17 Aug 2024
“Shivambu’s move to the MK Party could be part of a larger plan to realign political forces on the left, potentially bringing together a coalition of progressive parties.”
A political analyst from the North-West University (NWU) predicts that Floyd Shivambu, jumping ship from EFF to Jacob Zuma’s Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, may be part of a broader political strategy to unite progressive forces.
‘Malema hinted that more EFF members might follow Shivambu’s lead’
During an EFF media briefing held on Thursday (15/8), Shivambu revealed that he had chosen not to renew his EFF membership and asked to be relieved of his duties within the party. He also confirmed that he would be joining the MK Party, where he intends to help build and structure the organisation.
While Shivambu was tight-lipped about the reasons behind his departure, EFF President Julius Malema accepted his resignation, noting that the door remains open for Shivambu’s return. Malema hinted that more EFF members might follow Shivambu’s lead.
Speaking to OFM News following Shivambu’s announcement of his resignation, the political analyst from the NWU, André Duvenhage, shared his insights on the potential implications of this surprising political shift. Duvenhage speculated that Shivambu’s resignation could have significant consequences for the EFF, which he described as facing internal conflicts and declining electoral support.
He suggested that tension between Shivambu and Malema over leadership positions within the party may have played a role in the decision, particularly with the EFF’s leadership elections approaching at the end of the year. Additionally, Duvenhage pointed to the ongoing VBS Mutual Bank scandal, in which Shivambu’s brother, Brian, is implicated, as another potential factor.
‘Could be part of a larger plan to realign political forces on the left’
According to Duvenhage, Shivambu’s move to the MK Party could be part of a larger plan to realign political forces on the left, potentially bringing together a coalition of progressive forces that could command up to 25% of support. He noted that the MK Party has recently drawn the limelight away from the EFF, especially after topping the EFF in the recent elections and further dismissing 12 of its members who were in Parliament.
