EFF Secretary-General says the writing was on the wall for Floyd Shivambu! Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary General Marshall Dlamini has shed light on Floyd Shivambu’s unexpected departure from his role as the party’s deputy president, suggesting it was a pre-emptive move driven by concerns over dwindling support.
Shivambu’s decision to step down comes just ahead of the EFF’s third National People’s Assembly, where the party will elect new leadership. The assembly, set to host approximately 2,500 members, marks a pivotal moment for the party.
Lack of Support in the Branches
Speaking on Politricking with Tshidi Madia, Dlamini suggested that Shivambu’s name was losing traction within the party’s branches, a key indicator of electoral prospects within the EFF.
“Once they start hearing the branches speaking and don’t hear their names there, they start creating this environment, and that’s why some of them jump because they knew they weren’t going to make it to Nasrec,” Dlamini remarked, referring to the Johannesburg venue of the assembly.
This decline in grassroots support, Dlamini implied, painted a bleak picture for Shivambu’s chances of securing re-election as deputy president.
Performance Under Scrutiny
Dlamini was forthright in criticizing Shivambu’s track record, accusing the former deputy president of failing to deliver on key assignments. According to Dlamini, Shivambu’s underperformance had become evident over time, prompting the party’s leadership to reassess his responsibilities.
He revealed that Shivambu had been gradually removed from various leadership roles, including election structures and other critical tasks, due to concerns about his capabilities.
“Then we say leave national, leave province, leave region, go and just run a municipality of ten wards, and you fail to do that. Then the organisation says, you know what, just go stay at home, go enjoy your salary at home,” Dlamini said, illustrating the frustration within the party over Shivambu’s performance.
A Pre-emptive Strike?
Shivambu’s departure has sparked speculation about whether his decision was motivated by a fear of being ousted during the upcoming elections. Dlamini’s comments reinforce this narrative, suggesting Shivambu may have stepped aside to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the party’s internal elections.
The National People’s Assembly, which begins on Thursday, is a crucial platform where the party’s future direction and leadership will be determined. Shivambu’s absence from the race marks a significant shift in the EFF’s political landscape, as he has been a prominent figure since the party’s inception.
Challenges Ahead for the EFF
The EFF’s third National People’s Assembly is expected to address not only leadership changes but also the party’s broader challenges as it continues to position itself as a key player in South African politics.
Dlamini’s remarks reflect a commitment to ensuring accountability within the party, even at the highest levels. By scrutinizing the performance of senior leaders like Shivambu, the EFF aims to maintain its image as a disciplined and results-oriented political movement.
Shivambu’s Legacy
Floyd Shivambu has been a central figure in the EFF since its founding in 2013, playing a significant role in shaping the party’s policies and rhetoric. However, his recent departure raises questions about his future role within the organization and the direction the party will take without him in a leadership position.
Despite the criticisms leveled against him, Shivambu’s contributions to the EFF’s growth and his influence on South African politics cannot be overlooked. Whether his departure signals a broader shift in the party’s internal dynamics remains to be seen.
A Pivotal Moment
As the EFF prepares for its National People’s Assembly, the party faces a critical juncture. The leadership decisions made during this conference will shape its trajectory in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
Shivambu’s exit underscores the high stakes and intense competition within the EFF’s ranks. For the party’s grassroots members and broader support base, the focus remains on how the leadership will address the challenges ahead and maintain its relevance in South Africa’s ever-evolving political landscape.
With Dlamini’s candid comments setting the tone, the assembly promises to be a defining moment for the EFF’s future.
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