EFF Deputy Pres. Leaves To Join Zuma's MK

Floyd Shimbavu, who has served as deputy president of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) since its foundation in 2013, has left the party to join the UMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) of former President Jacob Zuma. The defection comes as a major blow to the EFF and its leader Julius Malema. Shimbavu and Malema co-founded the EFF, making his departure a significant upset.

• So far no reason has been forthcoming about the defection, although speculation of Shimbavu being offered a deputy leadership role within the larger MK could have clinched the move. Both sides have sought to remain cordial, with Malema saying that Shimbavu is "not just a comrade but a brother and he will remain a brother, even when he pursues his political career differently."
• EFF National Assembly member Mzwanele Manyi joined Shimbavu in defecting to the MK Party.
• South Africa's Daily Maverick reports "The exodus from EFF comes just months after the EFF was dislodged as the third-largest party in the country. The MK party overtook the EFF and is also the official opposition in the National Assembly [...] Party insiders have long highlighted the friction between Malema and Shivambu."
• There will be a notable focus on the impact of the EFF. Malema said he is expecting further defections by those loyal to Shimbavu, but that it willnot lead to the party's collapse. It remains to be seen whether South Africa can sustain two far-left anti gov't parties with platforms as similar as those of MK and EFF.