By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu has resigned from the party amid “simmering tensions” between him and leader Julius Malema.
The EFF has invited the media to attend what it called an “urgent press conference” on Thursday.
A press briefing is expected to be held at 12:00.
Fullview has learnt that Shivambu has also requested to be released from all his duties in the party and parliament.
His resignation is expected to be followed by other EFF members.
It is understood that Shivambu met with Malema over the decision, with the party leader left disappointed.
In July last year, Shivambu dismissed claims that there were divisions brewing between him and Malema saying they are “blood brothers.”
Malema fired warning shots at his detractors including Shivambu at the Red Berets 10th anniversary gala dinner
“We complement each other, we are not in competition with each other. I have made it clear to Floyd, ‘the day you get tired of me, don’t go and organise against me, just tell me, ‘I think you have served your term, it is time to go, “Malema said.
There has been speculation in many quarters that Shivambu will remain in the political sphere, with reports saying he had been courted by uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.