History will absolve Mbuyiseni Ndlozi - SABC News - Breaking news ...

By Vusi Gumbi

South Africa’s 4th biggest political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held its 3rd National People’s Assembly in Nasrec, Johannesburg. The red berets, formed in 2013, quickly established themselves as a vanguard of the masses, a home of the downtrodden and dejected masses of South Africa. There is no denying that the EFF has redefined South African politics in its entirety. Indeed, credit must go to Julius Malema and all those he led with (past and present) who have grown the July 26 Movement into a platform where the poor can organise and mobilise.

This was a watershed moment for the EFF – the NPA was held against the backdrop of the party suffering electoral decline for the first time since its inception and needing to reposition itself in the context of coalition politics – namely the grand coalition of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) – Government of National Unity (GNU).

However, the EFF’s 3rd NPA was overshadowed by the absence and silence of one of its popular and foremost leaders, Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – the party’s first-ever Spokesperson who played a vital role in mobilising young people in the formative years of the party. Ndlozi quickly established himself as a favourite among the red berets, earning the title, The People’s Bae. Some, in fact, may argue that Ndlozi was EFF’s most popular leader after Julius Malema.

The context of Ndlozi’s absence and silence is directly linked to the departure of EFF’s founding Deputy President and Malema’s former longtime friend and comrade, Floyd Shivambu. I can say without fear of contradiction that there are three major political stories that took place in 2024: the third one was the ANC losing power at a national level for the first time since the democratic dispensation; the second one was the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) formed by former President Jacob Zuma a few months before the elections amassing over 14% of the votes; the first one (and the biggest political story of the year) is Floyd Shivambu leaving the EFF to join the MKP on 15 August 2024.

Due to internal conflicts following Floyd Shivambu’s exit from the EFF, Julius Malema made scathing comments that were taken to be intended at Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. Malema voiced concerns over social media activities, namely with Mmabatho Montsho, Ndlozi’s wife, who liked Shivambu’s posts. Malema implied that such behaviour might be a sign of disloyalty, saying that a leader’s genuine position is frequently revealed by the behaviour of their close associates.

Rumours of internal conflicts within the EFF and Ndlozi’s standing within the party were stoked by this occurrence. Thereafter, followed a series of scathing remarks by Malema directed at Ndlozi.

The bone of contention is that Nldozi seemingly knew of Shivambu’s departure and chose to remain silent. In politics, two truths can co-exist: on one hand, Ndlozi should have told the leadership of the party about an issue that was going to shake its foundation to the core; on the other, Ndlozi understood that Shivambu and Malema come a long way back and decided not to interfere in this issue – as the saying goes, “iindaba zabantu ababili azingenwa”.

Ndlozi’s immense contribution

A PhD graduate, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was crucial to the early development of the EFF, especially in terms of youth mobilisation and public perception building. In his capacity as the party’s national spokesperson, to many, he appeared to be the face of the party – tasked with the crucial responsibility of communicating and spreading awareness of the EFF’s mission, principles, and revolutionary ideas, particularly among young people. Being able to engage with students and young activists through his academic expertise and eloquence made him a pivotal player in bringing the party in line with grassroots movements and campus politics in particular. To such an extent that the EFF’s Student Command began making political inroads in South African institutions of higher learning. Something that was, before the formation of the EFF, seen as a South African Student Organisation (SASCO) – aligned with the ANC – territory.

Despite his important accomplishments, Ndlozi was mocked and frequently referred to as Julius Malema’s ‘ice boy’ in a disparaging way, implying that he was only Malema’s errand runner or subordinate. Ndlozi, however, it appeared was undaunted by these remarks and persisted in outlining the EFF’s goals while also strategically contributing to its expansion. It can be said that many people inside and outside the party respected him as a strong and moral leader because of his fortitude in the face of these taunts. Some may argue that his reputation as a devoted fighter and an advocate for the voice of the youth in South African politics was further cemented by this unflinching dedication.

However, this one isolated incident involving the departure of Floyd Shivambu made Ndlozi fall out of favour with the party’s leader. His role, contribution and impact on the party was thrown in the dustbin of history and was condemned in the strongest sense. Despite being continuously emasculated and embarrassed, Ndlozi maintained silence publicly and chose not to bring the party into disrepute.

In his closing remarks at the EFF’s 3rd NPA after being elected for a third term as the President and Commander-in-Chief, Julius Malema delivered one final blow to Ndlozi. He said, “All leaders of the EFF are here in front. There is no leader of the EFF who is not here in front. There is no leader of the EFF who’s not here in Nasrec. If they are not here, they are not leaders of the EFF. You must never regard them as leaders of the EFF”. Ndlozi, in response, took to social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter and said, “Congratulations to the newly elected leadership. We wish them strength and wisdom. Remember the duty to always conduct ourselves honestly and honourably in dealing with the EFF and the broader public. May you lead us all with dignity! Asinamona, Asinanzondo, Phila Ngonaphakade EFF! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I wish you all economic freedom in our lifetime!”.

History absolves those who, in the face of hardship, do not waver from their convictions. Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s recent experience with the EFF is proof of the lasting value of self-control, emotional intelligence, and unshakeable faith. Although many could interpret his silence in the face of public provocation as cowardice, it actually shows leadership based on respect for the cause and its principles. Politics is rooted in a culture of evolution – while political storms may come and go; and alliances shift, break and emerge – the values upheld and contributions made to a greater cause will be the yardstick to measure the legacy of people like Ndlozi, not fleeting controversies which have no historical value.

In the grand tapestry of history, his grace and discipline will stand as a powerful reminder of what true leadership demands. He has been a reflection of such high levels of emotional intelligence in the face of adversity – many who struggle with this character trait can learn a thing or two. Indeed, history will absolve him.

Vusi Gumbi is a political commentator and a PhD candidate from the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation at the University of Johannesburg.