By Ziyah News Reporter
Johannesburg, South Africa- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa’s third most popular political party just before the May 29 plebiscite has been hit by the resignation of its Deputy President founding member Floyd Shivambu.
Shivambu’s quitting of the political outfit will no doubt leave a gapping hole in the movement as he has been an integral part of its 10 year existence and comes hard on the heels of a poor performance by the EFF in the just election where it performed below expectations coming fourth.
Though speculation is rife that the EFF is going through troubled waters that has pushed Shivambu to resign, the now former EFF strongman says it is nothing but a revolutionary act.
“My none renewal of EFF membership is not a vote of no confidence to the organization but they are revolutionary act that will allow progressive forces to unite and work together for progressive and revolutionary change” said Shivambu during the presser.
The announcement, which was held at Mandela House, the home of the EFF will no doubt have hit home hard especially that Shivambu is joining another political outfit the Zuma backed Umkhonto Wesizwe. Putting on a brave face to hide the shock and pain, Julius Malema said he accepted Shivambu’s resignation
“I stand before you to accept the decision of the Deputy President of the EFF, who has voluntarily resigned his positions, and did not renew his membership. When he sent me a letter yesterday, I felt the same pain, similar to when I received the news of the passing away of my Mother, because Floyd to me is not just a Comrade. He is a Brother, and he will remain a Brother even when he pursues his Political career differently, said the Commander in Chief of the EFF Julius Malema.
Malema also said even though the constitution of the EFF does not allow people to resign, join other political parties, and come back to the Party and exception will be made should Floyd decides to retrace his footsteps back to the EFF.
“I have made this offer to Floyd, that the day you decide to come back, you are more than welcome,” he added.
Expectations are high that the party might be deserted by a lot its comrades who might have been loyal to Shivambu and Juju as Malema is affectionately known said he is aware and will not be surprised if it happens.
“Floyd is not the only one. Jimmy Manyi has also resigned to go and join MK. There will be many others who are going to leave the EFF because they have got their loyalty and support to the Deputy President”