In a surprising statement, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has dismissed the highly publicized feud between Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and his former deputy, Floyd Shivambu, as nothing more than a fabrication.
According to Mbalula, what’s been portrayed as a bitter falling out is merely a political game, and in reality, the two men remain close friends.
The Beginning of the Feud
Malema and Shivambu have a long history together, having co-founded the EFF back in 2013.
They were once inseparable, often seen as close friends both inside and outside of politics.
However, their relationship seemed to unravel when Shivambu left the EFF in late 2024 to join Jacob Zuma’s MK Party.
Along with him came advocate Dali Mpofu and several other former EFF leaders.
Their departure was seen as the breaking point in the once-solid political alliance, and their falling out has been widely reported in the media.
Mbalula’s Take on the Situation
Despite the public drama surrounding their split, Fikile Mbalula believes the feud is nothing but a theatrical production. Speaking on the matter, he stated, “That’s a movie we’re being subjected to.
That fight between Floyd and Julius? It’s not real—it’s fiction.
These people are buddies.” According to Mbalula, Shivambu’s move to the MK Party was part of a larger political strategy, with the two men still closely aligned in their disdain for the African National Congress (ANC).
Mbalula further explained, “Floyd has been sent to manage Zuma in the MK Party and Dali Mpofu.”
Shivambu’s Side of the Story
In a recent podcast appearance with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Floyd Shivambu was asked whether he and Malema were still close. Shivambu, however, painted a different picture, claiming that their relationship was never truly based on friendship. Instead, he suggested that it was always a politically motivated partnership.
“Sometimes this so-called brotherhood is not brotherhood; it borders on gangsterism relationships,” Shivambu explained.
He added that true friendships in politics are often defined by mutual respect, and in his case, that respect was absent.
“If one person is wrong, you can’t call each other to order. You defend each other even if one is doing wrong things,” Shivambu said.
Are Malema and Shivambu Playing a Political Game?
The question remains: are Malema and Shivambu simply playing a political game to further their respective agendas?
Fikile Mbalula seems to think so, suggesting that the supposed feud is nothing more than a strategy to advance their goals in the ever-changing political landscape.
However, Shivambu’s own words indicate that the reality is more complex, with deep-rooted issues going beyond mere politics.