Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi issued his first public statement on December 16 following his exclusion from the party’s National People’s Assembly, responding to criticism from leader Julius Malema with a conciliatory message on social media.

Ndlozi’s message on X congratulated the newly elected leadership, wishing them “strength and wisdom” while calling for honest and honorable conduct in dealing with both the party and public. The response notably avoided addressing Malema’s recent criticism that labeled him as driven by “egoism.”

The tensions emerged after Ndlozi allegedly failed to inform Malema about former deputy Floyd Shivambu’s plans to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party led by former President Jacob Zuma. This led to his exclusion from the party’s third National People’s Assembly in Soweto, Johannesburg.

In his closing remarks on Sunday, Malema emphasized that those absent from the elective conference should not be considered leaders. “Our leaders are here, you all know them, you nominated them for three hours. You cannot be leaving here and telling us about non-existing leaders,” Malema said.

The leadership reshuffle saw significant changes, with Godrich Gardee appointed as Deputy President and Marshal Dlamini as Secretary-General. Other key appointments include Leigh Ann Mathys as Deputy Secretary-General, Noluthando Notshuku as National Chairperson, and Omphile Maotwe as Treasurer General.

Ndlozi’s message concluded with traditional party phrases in isiXhosa and wishes for “economic freedom in our lifetime,” maintaining a diplomatic tone despite his removal from the party’s Central Command Team (CCT), its highest decision-making body.

This political shake-up follows growing internal tensions within the EFF, particularly surrounding the departure of Floyd Shivambu and his subsequent alignment with Jacob Zuma’s MK Party.