Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has publicly criticized former party member Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi over his decision not to vote in the recent local government elections. Malema made the remarks on social media platform X, stating that he would not respond further to Ndlozi, especially what he termed as "the boys". This public exchange follows Ndlozi's decision to abstain from voting and his subsequent criticism of the EFF's declining support.
Ndlozi announced that he did not vote in the 4 November local government elections due to his dissatisfaction with divisions among black political parties. In an interview on SABC's Daily Thetha, he also criticized parties for failing to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality, arguing that some had become focused on personal gain and political business. Malema responded to Ndlozi's comments during a media briefing on 7 November, questioning how Ndlozi could choose not to vote and describing abstention as "abnormal" and "counter-revolutionary".
Ndlozi defended his decision as a "deliberate, conscientious abstention", stating that the right to vote also includes the right not to vote. He argued that political parties must earn people's support and that votes are not automatically owed to them. Ndlozi also challenged the EFF's election performance, which saw the party's vote share decline from 10.31% in 2021 to 6.22% in 2026. This represents a drop of 4.09 percentage points, or approximately 40% of its previous share.
The public dispute between Malema and Ndlozi began after Ndlozi resigned from the EFF in 2025, following his suspension and exclusion from party activities amid internal tensions. Ndlozi claimed at the time that he was leaving party politics. However, allegations emerged that he was involved in an MK Party plan to infiltrate the EFF, which Ndlozi denied.
Malema invoked former president Thabo Mbeki's role in the struggle for democracy, urging people to vote regardless of their party affiliation. Ndlozi, in turn, challenged Malema over the EFF's declining support, ending his response with a pointed remark: "Go argue with the wall." Malema then stated on X that he had spoken his truth and that everyone had the right to respond, but he would not engage further.
The EFF's declining support has raised concerns within the party, with some attributing the decline to internal tensions and others to the party's stance on certain issues. The party's performance in the local government elections has sparked debate about its future direction and leadership. Ndlozi's decision not to vote and his subsequent criticism of the EFF have added to the ongoing discussion.
The public spat between Malema and Ndlozi highlights the ongoing tensions within the EFF and the challenges facing the party. As the party moves forward, it will need to address its internal issues and reassess its strategy to regain support. The dispute between Malema and Ndlozi serves as a microcosm of the larger challenges facing the EFF and the South African political landscape.
Key points
- EFF leader Julius Malema and former member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi engage in public dispute over party's declining support and Ndlozi's decision not to vote.
- Ndlozi's decision not to vote sparks criticism from Malema, who describes abstention as "abnormal" and "counter-revolutionary".
- The EFF's vote share declines from 10.31% in 2021 to 6.22% in 2026, sparking debate about the party's future direction.
