Malema Pained as Shivambu Dumps EFF to Join Zuma's MK
"...I felt the same pain when I received the news of the passing away of my mother..." - Julius Malema, EFF leader
Malema Pained as Shivambu Dumps EFF to Join Zuma's MK
In a surprising turn of events Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF’s) Vice President Floyd Shivambu has officially resigned from the party and will be joining Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe on Thursday.
Julius Malema expressed his hurt at losing one of the members who founded EFF. Malema said:
“When he sent me a letter on Wednesday, I felt the same pain when I received the news of the passing away of my mother because Floyd to me is not just a comrade, he is a brother and will remain a brother even as he pursues his political career differently.
“We formed this political party together, and I have told him that resigning from EFF is the same as resigning from himself.”
Shivambu who met Zuma at his KwaDakwadunuse homestead in Nkandla on the eve of the national general elections, is expected to become a Member of Parliament for the MK.
Malema Pained as Shivambu Dumps EFF to Join Zuma's MK
He cited his political development as the reason behind his exit, dispelling rumours that his departure is due to political infighting.
In his resignation letter, Shivambu wrote: “I’ve never in my service of the organisation acted against the organisation’s principles. I’ve never compromised my commitment to true emancipation.
“The organisation should not mischaracterise my revolutionary decision to not renew my membership. I request that I be relieved of all my deployment in the spheres of the organisation. Political decisions should never be received as betrayal.”
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Malema said despite his party’s constitution not allowing former members to return to its ranks after their departure, the party would welcome him Shivambu back as a founding member should he reconsider his decision.