By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu has joined the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, saying is the only “vehicle to achieve unity and emancipation.”
Mpofu, who served as the EFF’s national chairperson from 2014 to 2019, confirmed his departure in an interview with the SABC, in which he said he had worked with former president Jacob Zuma to help establish the MK party.
“The MK party has been true to fostering unity, total black and progressive unity, and I feel total liberation would be achieved through the MK party,” he said.
Mpofu said the decision followed “a lot of soul searching” and had been planned over the past year.
There was a time when Zuma and I were the only people who knew about this project of the formation of MK,” Mpofu said, adding that discussions began after the ANC’s 2022 conference.
“I don’t believe you have to die in the ANC, EFF or MK. But for now the MK party represents a much broader vision for decolonisation and carries the alternative to unite our people, “he said.
Mpofu said that his departure was caused by personal issues with the EFF of Malema, adding that he had not yet spoken directly to Malema about his decision.
“There is no bad blood, “Mpofu said. “I’ll extend that courtesy [of informing Malema] after this announcement.”
Mpofu is one of several high-profile former EFF leaders to join the MK party in recent months following the departure of former party deputy president Floyd Shivambu, who left the EFF in August to become the MK party’s national organiser.
Former EFF MP Mzwanele Manyi now serves as the MK party’s parliamentary whip and former EFF MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane is the MK party’s convener in Mpumalanga.
Meanwhile EFF leader Julius Malema has indicated that he is unmoved by the decision, and anticipates that other senior leaders will soon be leaving.
Malema said, that the EFF “will remain standing” and “is not going anywhere under a criminal syndicate,” which appears to be a reference to the MK Party.
“Only two of your favourites remain and the list will be finalised. They sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll calls, but remember, their souls are long gone.