Farewell, People’s Bae — Mbuyiseni Ndlozi resigns as EFF MP

EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi , former EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee and EFF leader Julius Malema, walk into the Parliament Precinct prior to the State of the Nation Address on Thursday 13 February 2020. The annual presidential address comes in the midst of a harsh economic environment, service delivery failures, incapacitated SOEs, rampant crime and high unemployment. (Photo: Daily Maverick/Leila Dougan)

By Nonkululeko Njilo

9 Jan 2025

After months of speculation about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s political future, driven by tensions with EFF leader Julius Malema, he has stepped down as an MP.

The EFF confirmed the “voluntary” departure of its former national spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, as an MP, alongside Eastern Cape legislature MPP Yazini Tetyana, on Thursday. This marks the end of Ndlozi’s vibrant 10-year career in the National Assembly.

For most of his tenure in Parliament, Ndlozi was a fierce critic, relentlessly challenging both former president Jacob Zuma and current President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Although often a thorn in the side of whichever Speaker had to try to reign him in, Ndlozi gained popularity with the public for his memorable parliamentary antics, particularly his humorous points of order and playful jabs at fellow MPs, calling them “sleepists”. His good looks earned him the title of “People’s Bae”.

“The EFF has accepted the respective voluntary requests to be released from deployment of the two Fighters, who have diligently served the organisation in their respective deployments since the EFF has had representation in the legislative sphere,” the party said.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi delivers a statement in the National Assembly on 3 September 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Julius Malema at the Alexandra Freedom Day Rally in Johannesburg on 27 April 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Luba Lesolle)

Fate sealed for some time

Ndlozi’s departure was almost written on the wall after a slew of jabs from Malema, beginning in August 2024 when former deputy president Floyd Shivambu deserted the party and crossed the political aisle to join the uMkhonto Wesizwe party.

Shivambu left the party three months after its dismal performance in the 29 May national and provincial elections, where it secured only 9.52% of the vote – a 1.28% drop from 2019 – losing its position as the third-largest party in Parliament.

Ndlozi, a close ally of Shivambu, is said to have been aware of Shivambu’s plans to leave the EFF and join MK but did not inform Malema, which left a sour impression on the EFF leader.

On several occasions, Malema publicly criticised EFF leaders who remained silent during the party’s turbulent times.

While Ndlozi himself did not openly address the tension, there were signs that he was being sidelined within the party.

In one instance, Malema took a veiled swipe at Ndlozi’s wife, actress and TV producer Mmabatho Montsho, after she liked an Instagram post by Shivambu announcing his decision to join MK.

“How can someone say the decision to join uMkhonto Wesizwe party is the best decision ever, and my wife Montsho is the first person to like such a thing? You say Julius Malema is with us when his partner likes things that seek to denounce the organisation and where the organisation stands? Where the relatives and cousins declared where they stand, and you still ask yourself where this leader stands. Look at those around him, and you will know where he stands,” Malema said.

The notion that Ndlozi was being ostracised was fuelled further by a report that he had been barred from attending the party’s elective conference in December, during which Malema was re-elected unopposed.

Quizzed about Ndlozi’s absence from the conference, Malema was defensive. “We are no longer going to answer any nonsense about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. This matter is closed. You can talk about it yourself, but don’t bring it to us,” he said at the time.

Read more: EFF conference: Malema reminds delegates what party stands for

In another incident, at a media briefing in November, Malema spent considerable time speaking about loyalty and betrayal, saying he would never forgive those who failed to inform him about Shivambu’s departure.

“I do not trust them and will never trust them. Because trust is earned when you show loyalty at the point where it’s most needed, not when it’s a nice time… You must show loyalty at the most tested moments… and people who are not loyal must never be trusted by anyone. They will kill you,” he said.

Read more: Malema dismisses reports of potential EFF rebellion over Ndlozi ‘ban’

Malema refused to name those who had betrayed him: “Don’t ask me to name and shame disloyal people, that is like committing suicide.”

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi in Daveyton on 28 April 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / OJ Koloti)

Is Ndlozi following former comrades to MK?

Following Shivambu’s defection to MK, a number of high-ranking EFF officials followed suit. Among them are controversial advocate Dali Mpofu, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and former ANC spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi – all of whom have since been parachuted into senior positions.

Speculation is rife Ndlozi may follow suit. MK’s national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi , former EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee and EFF leader Julius Malema walk into the Parliament Precinct before to the State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020. (Photo: Daily Maverick / Leila Dougan)

Previously, MK’s head of presidency, Magasela Mzobe, told Daily Maverick the party was engaging a number of high-ranking officials in different provinces and parties as the party seeks to establish itself in the corners of the country in the run-up to the 2026 local government elections.

“That is our daily bread and butter,” he said jokingly, adding that in some instances the MK leadership did not have to recruit, with other party representatives reaching out and expressing a desire to be a part of the one-year-old movement.

For the time being, Ndlozi and Tetyana have not resigned from the party, only as MPs.

But the EFF’s statement hinted that their fate was sealed: “The EFF wishes the fighters well in their future endeavours.”

If Ndlozi does leave the party altogether his absence is likely to be strongly felt.

On many occasions he energised crowds at EFF events with powerful renditions of revolutionary music, gaining a loyal following from those drawn to his charisma and message of “economic freedom in our lifetime”.

He connected in particular with young South Africans, as a voice for their frustrations on issues such as education, unemployment, land and economic justice. DM

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Fate sealed for some time

Is Ndlozi following former comrades to MK?