EFF leader Julius Malema has rubbished claims that senior member Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been barred from attending the party’s National People’s Assembly (NPA) in December.
Malema described the rumours as “shebeen gossip” and “toilet discussions” while he denied any knowledge of Ndlozi’s alleged prohibition.
The party is gearing up to host its elective conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre near Soweto from December 12 to 15 where Malema is likely to retain the Red Berets presidency.
Addressing the media at the same venue yesterday after a walkabout, Malema reiterated that the EFF had not made any statements about Ndlozi’s position within the party.
“I don’t know what you want me to answer on Ndlozi because I never said anything about Mbuyiseni Ndlozi… so do not bring your shebeen gossip to me and want me to glorify some toilet discussion.
“EFF has never said anything, if we have got anything to tell you, we will communicate it,” he said.
Rumours about Ndlozi’s departure and being sidelined from the EFF swirled last week after EFF MP Sinawo Thambo slammed Ndlozi, intimating that he had folded his arms while the party was in turmoil.
Malema, among other issues, also reiterated that any of his detractors that thought that he was a dictator and divisive should leave the party.
Attacking his detractors, the president of the Red Berets asked why individuals would join a party that was created by a dictator.
“Why did you join a divisive party, why did you join?” Malema asked.
“I was accused of being a dictator since my days in the ANC Youth League... so there is nothing new,” he said.
He added that the party was not going to waste time nursing people’s feelings.
“If you want to leave, the door is open. Leave now! We are not begging anyone,” Malema said.
He was speaking as the party faced the most daunting challenge after most of its senior members quit the party for the new kids on the block, the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP), recently.
First to leave was its deputy president Floyd Shivambu who was followed by the likes of Advocate Dali Mpofu.
This fuelled speculation that Ndlozi would also be leaving after he was allegedly sidelined by Malema from contesting the elective conference.
However, Malema has described the leaving of senior members at its critical moment as an “assassination attempt”, saying it was well orchestrated.
“All those we knew were going have gone and now we are okay,” said Malema implying that there would not be further detractors.
He also touched on the Phala Phala matter, saying: “We have said before that as long as the EFF is in Parliament Cyril Ramaphosa will be held accountable... we will be marching to the court with many other parties except the MKP,“ he said.
Malema was taking a swipe at MKP president, Jacob Zuma, calling him corrupt despite their friendly relationship.
“I am not a push over, no one can push me around. President Zuma and I are very good... but that does not mean I must agree with him,” he said.
The Star