Durban — Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, 39, came from political obscurity to become one of the political heavyweights in the country after serving as the first spokesperson of the EFF when it was formed in 2013.
However, his future in the EFF is now bleak following his sour relationship with party leader Julius Malema.
It all started in August when Malema took a subtle jab at Ndlozi’s wife, Mmabatho Montsho, an actress and TV producer, after she liked an Instagram post by Floyd Shivambu.
Shivambu is the former EFF deputy president.
Shivambu is now the secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former president Jacob Zuma.
Shivambu’s post read: “The time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices – submit or fight. That time has now come to South Africa.
“We shall not submit, and we have no choice but to hit back by all means in our power in defence of our people, our future, and our freedom.”
Malema did not take kindly to Montsho’s engagement with the post, publicly rebuking her and pointing fingers at Ndlozi in the process.
“How can someone say the decision to join uMkhonto weSizwe Party is the best decision ever, and my wife Montsho is the first person to like such a thing? You say Julius Malema is with us when his partner likes things that seek to denounce the organisation and where the organisation stands? Where the relatives, and cousins declared where they stand, and you still ask yourself where this leader stands. Look at those around him, and you will know where he stands.”
In 2014, Ndlozi was deployed by the EFF to serve as one of its Members of Parliament (MP) following the May 2014 national elections. The EFF secured 25 seats in the National Assembly, which comprises 400 seats. At the same time, he was serving as the spokesperson of the EFF.
In 2017, Ndlozi, who also holds the moniker of “The People’s Bae”, obtained his PhD in political science from Wits University.
Ndlozi's contributions extend beyond speeches and parliamentary debates; he has often energised crowds at EFF events with renditions of revolutionary music, attracting a loyal following dedicated to his charisma and message of economic emancipation.
Among his renditions include the popular “From Cape to Cairo”.
Ndlozi, who is a key member of the EFF, has been tight-lipped since the public attacks from Malema started recently.
WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.
Daily News