By Akani Nkuna
The Economic Freedom Party is continuing to bleed senior members, with the shocking announcement on Wednesday that advocate and apartheid activist Dali Mpofu is ditching the EFF for the MK Party.
“After a lot of soul searching, I have taken a decision that I will be joining the MK Party. I am joining MK because I believe that it is the vehicle through which we will achieve the much needed black and progressive unity,” Mpofu told the SABC.
He said that he conceptualised the MK, and took the initiative to unite black progressive parties, paving the way for a collaborative effort before the concept of MK gained widespread attention.
The move was aimed to consolidating forces and amplifying the voice of black South Africans in the political landscape.
“I am the one who was convincing the leadership of the EFF… even before the elections. Some of them were sceptical about the course of unity…, and particularly black progressive parties,” he added.
Mpofu joins the ranks of influential figures who have left the the EFF to join the MK Party.
Notable figures like former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Mzwanele Manyi, who were relatively new to EFF, have also made the switch.
The red berets were dealt a massive blow following the departure of its founding member and deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, which led to a chain reaction and exodus of party members.
There has also been speculation about the future of EFF chief whip Mbuyiseni Ndlozi due to his close relationship with Shivambu.
News was being shared on some WhatsApp groups on Wednesday that he had also resigned on Wednesday. But the speculation could not be confirmed.
He has rubbished claims in the past that he would follow in Shivambu’s footsteps.
EFF leader Julius Malema took to social media platform X on Wednesday, saying: “Only two more of your favourites remain, and the list will be finalised. They sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll-calls, but remember, their souls are long gone.”
Malema has warned the red berets to expect more members to leave the party in the interim, but it must not deter them from their mission to ensure economic emancipation.
“To prevent any potential hurt, it is crucial to heed the guidance of the leadership. We remain standing and are not going anywhere under a criminal syndicate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mpofu said it was his idea to bring the MK in as a party to contest in the domestic political arena following the African National Congress’ 2022 conference.
However, he said that he reported every step of the developments to the EFF’s leadership.
“… at my level of political involvement, I cannot play double game. So, every step of the way of this project I was reporting to the EFF leadership,” he said.
Mpofu’s membership with the EFF has elapsed, and therefore, there was no need to tender his resignation.
“To be [honest], I have not informed the leader of the EFF, Malema. I have tried to reach (out) to him, but there is no need to inform anyone at any particular time.
“There is no bad blood… And I am sure that our paths will meet in this journey for black unity. There is nothing personal,” Mpofu added.
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