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South Africa’s radical opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is facing a significant crisis after yet another prominent leader defected to former President Jacob Zuma’s party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), also known as “Spear of the Nation.”
Dali Mpofu, an advocate and former EFF chairperson, announced his decision to join MK after “soul-searching,” saying he believes it is the path to achieving “black and progressive unity.” Mpofu’s departure follows a string of high-profile exits, including former EFF deputy leader Floyd Shivambu and other lawmakers.
The EFF, led by firebrand Julius Malema, has historically garnered strong support from South Africa’s young population, frustrated by the slow pace of economic reform. However, the party suffered a major blow in the May general election, dropping to fourth place instead of achieving its goal of overtaking the Democratic Alliance to become the second-largest party. Much of its lost support shifted to MK, which contested its first election last year, backed by a revitalized Zuma who returned to the political spotlight after serving a prison term for contempt of court in 2021.
Both the EFF and MK support similar policies, including expropriating white-owned land and nationalizing mines and banks. Political analyst Sandile Swana said that Mpofu’s defection reflects a strategic pursuit of power, noting, “MK is substantially bigger than the EFF now, making it a quicker route to influence.”
Notably, Mpofu was an influential figure in the EFF from 2014 to 2019, serving as its chairperson. After stepping down, he focused on his legal career, even representing both the EFF and Zuma in key court cases. Mpofu revealed he had been involved in discussions about forming MK with Zuma for the past two years and denied accusations of being a “double agent” within the EFF.
Responding to Mpofu’s exit, Malema acknowledged the decision without surprise, expressing respect for Mpofu’s choice. However, former EFF deputy Shivambu welcomed Mpofu to MK, posting a message on social media praising MK’s “superior ideological, political, and organizational capacity.”
Political observers see these defections as signs of deeper fractures within the EFF. Analyst Ongama Mtimka noted a “rejection of the dictatorial style” of Malema, saying there are concerns about the hand-picking of party leaders and limited opportunities for leadership succession. Malema, who founded the EFF in 2013 after his expulsion from the ANC, is expected to be re-elected unopposed at an upcoming party conference despite discontent over his leadership style.
Amid the upheaval, Malema hinted at further defections, writing cryptically on social media, “They sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll calls, but remember, their souls are long gone.” He urged loyal party members to “heed the guidance of the leadership” and affirmed the EFF’s resilience, saying, “We remain standing and are not going anywhere.”
