EFF Resignations: Is Lack of Clear Ideology Hurting the Party?

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), once seen as a powerful force in South African politics, is now facing major challenges. A wave of resignations from key members has sparked concerns about the party’s direction and future. Many political analysts believe the party is losing its way due to a lack of clear, constructive political ideas and rising internal tensions.

Why Are Key EFF Leaders Jumping Ship?

Several high-profile leaders, including Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Fana Mokoena, have left the EFF, following in the footsteps of deputy president Floyd Shivambu. Shivambu’s departure to join former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party triggered further resignations, including EFF MP Mzwanele Manyi and founding member of the EFF Student Command (EFFSC), Mpho Morolane.

These exits have led many to question the party’s internal stability and its future.

Is the EFF’s Politics of Confrontation Backfiring?

Professor Theo Neethling, a political analyst from the University of the Free State, explains that the EFF’s focus on racial issues and confrontational politics has hurt its growth. “You can’t build a party on negative politics alone — you need constructive contributions,” Neethling says. He believes the EFF’s approach in Parliament has alienated voters rather than winning them over.

The EFF’s reliance on Julius Malema as the party’s unifying figure is also a concern. While Malema remains the face of the party, the growing influence of Zuma’s MK Party presents a serious challenge. Ironically, Malema, once an outspoken critic of Zuma, is now losing supporters to him.

Scandals and Missed Chances: EFF’s Reputation Takes a Hit

The EFF’s image has been damaged by scandals, including the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. These issues have tarnished both the party and Malema’s reputation. Neethling warns that unless the party undergoes significant change, it may struggle to stay relevant.

Political analyst Goodenough Mashego also argues that the EFF has moved away from its original leftist ideals, allowing the MK Party to step in and attract members. He believes the EFF missed key opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic to show its support for workers and the poor. “The EFF failed to act during the pandemic when people were looking for leadership,” Mashego explains.

MK Party Rising: Will the EFF Be Replaced on the Left?

The MK Party has positioned itself as a more radical leftist alternative to the EFF, focusing on land reform and anti-establishment ideas. This has attracted many disillusioned EFF supporters. According to Mashego, the departure of prominent members like Shivambu and Mkhwebane shows that the EFF is no longer the only voice for left-wing politics in South Africa.

Can the EFF Survive Without Rebranding?

The EFF now faces a critical question: can it continue without a clear, constructive vision? Both Neethling and Mashego agree that the party must redefine its purpose and offer real solutions to the country’s problems. If it continues to rely on populism and rhetoric, it risks becoming irrelevant as other political movements, like the MK Party, gain momentum.

To survive, the EFF needs to evolve — and fast. It must move beyond criticism and start delivering results, or it may fade from the political scene altogether.