Julius Malema put on a brave face at the press conference announcing the departure of Floyd Shivambu to Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe, but both his tone and demeanour betrayed the truth: he was deeply hurt by Shivambu’s resignation.
Gone was the combative language we’re so used to; instead we heard Malema speak as if in mourning, as indeed he confirmed in his tribute to his fellow “fighter”.
Shivambu’s Brutus move not only deprives the EFF of one of its founders and stalwarts, but bolsters MK, whose success in the general election contributed to the EFF’s poor showing.
And considering how hard Malema and Shivambu campaigned for Zuma’s ouster as president, the move speaks of the strange bedfellows political expediency creates, and of the betrayal Malema must surely be feeling.
In the face of the resignations of other senior EFF figures, including Jimmy Manyi, Malema’s plaintive cry for the party’s “ground forces” to remain loyal was as much a cry for the party to remain relevant.
Shivambu apparently quit the EFF over Malema’s refusal to be challenged for the leadership, making his move to MK, firmly in the hands of Zuma Inc, puzzling.
He will likely regain his seat in Parliament, but probably have to play second fiddle to Judge John Hlophe, and climb over several Zumas to reach the top.
Where does this leave Malema and the EFF?
Wounded and weakened certainly, but not broken ‒ yet. Beware the danger of the wounded animal. The next local government elections may provide the litmus test.
In the intervening period the party has time to take stock and rebuild. It has time to demonstrate it is capable of more mature politics than the disruptive antics which characterise its contributions to Parliamentary process.
Lest we forget, it is the voice of many angry, disaffected, unemployed youth, who deserve better than to have their votes rendered meaningless when their representatives are repeatedly turfed out of Parliament.