I’m not Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s father, I don’t even want to know why he resigned: Troubled Julius Malema finally speaks out

EFF leader Julius Malema has finally broken his silence on the resignation of former party MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, stating he was as surprised as anyone to learn of the decision. In an interview on eNCA’s Power to Truth with JJ Tabane on Tuesday evening, Malema disclosed that he had discovered Ndlozi’s resignation while on vacation with his wife.

He explained, “You are unfair to me. I told you I was inspecting my son’s learner’s licence. My oldest son is 18 years old; that’s what I’m responsible for.”

This clarification followed questions about Ndlozi’s absence from the EFF’s national people’s assembly (NPA) held in Soweto last December.

Malema firmly denied having prior discussions with Ndlozi about the resignation. He stated, “I’m not responsible for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi; I’m not his father. Where he was and what he was doing – I don’t know.”

He emphasised that his focus remained on the quality of leadership within the party, not on individuals’ whereabouts. Malema further distanced himself from Ndlozi, stating that he no longer had a personal relationship with the former MP and that Ndlozi was simply a member of the EFF. He added, “I’m not even interested in knowing why [Ndlozi resigned].”

Last week, the EFF announced that Ndlozi, an EFF MP since 2014, had resigned from Parliament – a move that analysts speculate could signal his eventual departure from the party. While Malema downplayed Ndlozi’s absence from the December NPA, reports from insiders suggest a different narrative.

Ahead of the NPA, City Press reported that Ndlozi was allegedly ‘squeezed out’ of the party after being barred from the conference, a move said to be aimed at curbing his influence within the EFF. One insider alleged that Ndlozi’s presence at the conference posed a threat to the current leadership.

The source stated, “We have been reliably informed that despite assuring the leadership he would not contest for any positions, the party wasn’t taking any chances and decided to bar him from the conference.”

Speculation about Ndlozi’s position within the party grew after he missed key EFF meetings in the weeks leading up to the NPA. Some party members suspected the leadership was withholding information about his silence. During the conference, Ndlozi’s absence drew attention. When asked about it, Malema appeared visibly irritated.

He said: “He’s not here, and it’s not in our interest to entertain such nonsense. We are not going to answer questions about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.”

At the December NPA, Malema dismissed claims that Ndlozi’s absence reflected internal discord, highlighting the event’s success instead. He said: “I’m not responsible for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi; 90% of the people who are here, who are expected to be here, are here – that’s what matters. Whoever is not here was not supposed to be here from the beginning. So, you are not going to reduce this organisation to some individual. We are going to refuse that.”

The cracks in Ndlozi’s relationship with Malema became increasingly apparent in recent months. His absence from the EFF’s third elective congress in December, following reports of a falling out with Malema, fuelled speculation about his future. This was further exacerbated by his exclusion from crucial party activities, including the weekly meetings of the War Council and the Central Command Team (CCT).

Party insiders suggested that this exclusion was a strategic move by factions supporting the newly elected EFF deputy president, Godrich Gardee, potentially aiming to prevent Ndlozi from contesting the same position.

Rumours circulated that Ndlozi was considering leaving the EFF, perhaps returning to academia or joining former EFF leader Floyd Shivambu in the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). However, sources close to Ndlozi insisted that he was a victim of character assassination, pointing to his recent efforts to strengthen EFF branches nationwide. Despite this, critics within the party remained sceptical, suggesting that Ndlozi might be covertly building support for an unexpected leadership bid.

Yazini Tetyana, who also resigned, has had a distinguished career in politics, serving in the Eastern Cape provincial legislature before moving to national Parliament. The EFF praised both Tetyana and Ndlozi for their exemplary service, wishing them well in their future endeavours. The party’s statement highlighted their commendable contributions as public representatives.

The resignations of Ndlozi and Tetyana are the latest in a series of departures from the EFF. This exodus includes high-profile figures such as former deputy president Floyd Shivambu, former MPs Patrick Sindane, Mmabatho Mokause, Kenny Motsamai, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, as well as former EFF Students Command head Mpho Morolane. Mkhwebane, after citing a need to spend time with her family following her legal battles, joined the MKP as the Mpumalanga convener. Morolane also joined the MKP. These departures highlight the significant internal shifts within the EFF and raise questions about its future trajectory.

The speculation surrounding Ndlozi’s next move intensified in December, with reports suggesting his imminent departure from the EFF. Sources within the party confirmed his plans to join the MKP, citing a deepening rift with Malema that culminated in Ndlozi’s absence from the party’s National Peoples Assembly (NPA).

One EFF leader in KwaZulu-Natal stated: “We have known for a long time that Ndlozi is planning to dump the EFF in favour of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). That is what led to the strained relationship between him and the party leader, Julius Malema. Their relationship is now irreparable.”

Another EFF insider added: “The fact is that Ndlozi is well on his way out from the party. And he has made up his mind. His absence from the NPA speaks volumes about the growing animosity between him and Malema. It is unclear what came between the two leaders as they were once joined at the hip, especially during Ndlozi’s tenure as the spokesperson of the party. We are not happy as party members and leaders.”

The fallout between Malema and Ndlozi is particularly significant given Ndlozi’s prominence within the EFF. His supporters actively campaigned for him to contest the deputy president position, but Malema reportedly backed Godrich Gardee, who ultimately won the election. The potential move to the MKP, should it be confirmed, would represent a significant loss for the EFF.

Independent political analyst Thobani Zikalala commented: ”It will not be a surprise if Ndlozi leaves the EFF. But maybe if he leaves now and goes to the MK Party, it would confirm what Julius has been saying that many would be following Floyd to the MK Party. It would be a big loss to the party. He is one of the senior leaders in the EFF and the first spokesperson of the party.”