“AFTER a lot of soul searching, I’ve taken a decision that I will be joining MK.”
These are the ‘chilling’ words of now former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) national chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu, from 2014 to 2019.
Adv Mpofu dumps an organisation he and others at the EFF, started in 2013 from the scratch to such as an extent investing their personal hard earned money to grow it.
His departure follows hot on the heels the likes of EFF deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, Jimmy Manyi, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who have joined the MK Party, whose founder is former Pres Jacob Gedleyehlekisa Zuma.
Mpofu has represented the official opposition in several legal matters in his capacity as senior counsel.
Announcing the unexpected move, he told the public broadcaster that: “I’m joining MK because I believe that it is the vehicle through which we will achieve the much-needed black and progressive unity so I’m doing so not necessarily to reject any other organisation but at this point in time, in November 2024, I am of the view that the vehicle through which we should drive that unity is uMkhonto we Sizwe.”
“There was a time when former President Zuma and I were the only people who knew about this project of the formation of MK,” Mpofu said, adding that discussions began after the ANC’s 2022 conference.
“I don’t believe you have to die in the ANC, EFF or MK. But for now the MK party represents a much broader vision for decolonisation and carries the alternative to unite our people,” he said.
Mpofu said that his departure was caused by personal issues with the EFF of Malema, adding that he had not yet spoken directly to Malema about his decision.
“There is no bad blood,” Mpofu said. “I’ll extend that courtesy [of informing Malema] after this announcement.”
MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed that Mpofu had joined the party, saying it reflected MK’s appeal to former EFF members interested in “black and progressive unity”.
Mpofu has described the party as the “only vehicle” capable of achieving that goal.
Responding to the recent defections, Malema said on social media: “Only two more of your [Shivambu’s] favourites remain, and the list will be finalised. They sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll calls, but remember, their souls are long gone. We remain standing and are not going anywhere under a criminal syndicate.”
Sources alleged that Malema was referring to Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Veronica Mente, who have been touted by branches to join the party’s top six at its December conference.
“Soon they will be next. The plan is to have Ndlozi and Mente removed from the party, despite them gaining popularity recently. It’s just a matter of time,” one senior source said.
This is at a time where the EFF is sifting through what it describes as “infiltrators” ahead of the conference.
As EFF prepares for elections later this year, this marks another blow to the already depleted red-beret.
CIC Julius Sello Malema is labelled as ‘arrogant and a dictator’ by those who left and some within the party.
Interesting times: Donald Trump elected as US President and Mpofu leaves EFF…
Image (Off to Nkandla. Adv Dali Mpofu dumps the party he started to join MK Party).
