Former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has hit back at EFF leader Julius Malema after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leadership announced him in their top eight structure on Thursday.
Shivambu, who was named as the MKP national organiser, deserted Malema to join former president Jacob Zuma’s party recently, creating animosity between the two long-time friends.
Malema, while addressing the EFF’s ground forces forum in Orlando, Soweto, on Monday, said he had been betrayed.
However, Shivambu hit back at Malema, intimating that he had not been in politics to nurse Malema’s ego.
“I hear people saying I have betrayed an individual, but nowhere in their statement are they saying I have betrayed the revolution. I will never betray the revolution.
“I am not here to satisfy one’s ego.
The business of the revolution movement is to emancipate the majority of Africans in particular, and I am not apologetic about that,” Shivambu said.
He was speaking as his new party held a press briefing in Johannesburg to announce changes to its executive, calling for unity among “progressive forces”.
Shivambu reiterated that his decision to join the MKP was solid and sound. He also sang Zuma’s praises.
Former police minister and ANC member Nathi Nhleko, who was previously the MKP’s national organiser before the May 29 elections, was announced as the party’s national chairperson.
Zuma remains the president, and former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe his deputy.
Taking to the podium, Hlophe denied that Shivambu was recruited to destroy the EFF.
“This is far from it, this is not the case. We are running our own programme. He is a great politician and is as sharp as a razor and will play a good role to take the MKP forward.”
Speaking of those who were taking the party to court, Hlophe said they had a right to take anyone to court.
“At the end of the day, it is only the judge who will make a decision on September 3. The fraud allegations by Mr (Jabulani) Khumalo. He too has a right to open a case against anyone. It is unwise to comment on allegations made by Mr Khumalo. We generally do not comment on matters before court.
This is completely unwise,” Hlophe said.
Secretary-general Sifiso Maseko, who chaired most of the programme, said the top eight structure known as the National High Command structure was brought into being through wide consultations and was representative of the wishes of the people on the ground and the skills and capabilities of those elected.
He said the MKP remained committed to the progressive caucus in the national Parliament and all provincial legislatures.
“We have to demonstrate unity against the so-called Government of National Unity and mobilise our people to reject the alliance of the right-wing political formations. We will engage with different unions and civil society formations including those that are in alliance with other political parties.
“The MKP will strive for unity and unification of unions in different sectors and will strive to achieve such,” Maseko added.
The party’s top eight officials are: president – Jacob Zuma; deputy president – Dr John Hlophe; secretary-general – Sifiso Maseko; deputy secretary-general – Nombuso Mkhize; national organiser – Floyd Shivambu; national chairperson – Nkosinathi Nhleko; deputy national chairperson – Wilson Sebiloane; and treasurer-general – Menzi Magubane.
Cape Times