Floyd Shivambu, former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president now serving as MK Party secretary general, claimed sole credit for founding the EFF during a Christmas lunch address in Limpopo’s Mahonisi village, intensifying his feud with Julius Malema.

Shivambu told elderly residents he independently conceptualized the EFF after his 2011 expulsion from the ANC Youth League, including creating the party’s name, branding, and selecting its Marshalltown headquarters location.

The statement marks his latest attempt to reshape the EFF origin story since joining Jacob Zuma’s MK Party in August. Shivambu’s visit to the Tsonga-speaking region aimed to expand MK Party’s support beyond its KwaZulu-Natal base.

He was accompanied by former disco singer Papa Penny (Eric Nkovani) in the Collins Chabane sub-region, traditionally an ANC stronghold.

“I formed the EFF alone and others joined afterwards, including the one who is leading it now,” Shivambu said in a widely circulated social media video, directly challenging Malema’s role in the party’s creation.

His claims echo similar statements made during an October interview on Sizwe Mpofu-Welsh’s SMWX podcast. Sources suggest Shivambu left the EFF over disagreements about its May election performance and Malema’s leadership style.

Social media users questioned Shivambu’s narrative, with many highlighting the contradiction between claiming foundership and leaving after ten years. EFF members have dismissed his account.