Ndlozi Fires Back at Malema After EFF Election Disaster, Raises Tough Questions About Party’s Leader

A fresh political confrontation has erupted within South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) following the party’s disappointing performance in the 2026 local government elections. Former EFF Member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has hit back at party leader Julius Malema, questioning the organisation’s declining electoral support and challenging its leadership to reflect on what went wrong.

The disagreement follows Malema’s public criticism of Ndlozi after the former EFF spokesperson revealed that he had deliberately chosen not to vote in the November 4 local government elections.

Ndlozi explained his decision during an interview on SABC1’s Daily Thetha, arguing that he had become increasingly dissatisfied with the state of black political organisations in South Africa. He expressed concern about political divisions, unemployment, poverty and what he described as the growing tendency of political organisations to operate like businesses.

His comments did not sit well with Malema, who strongly criticised his former colleague for refusing to participate in the democratic process.

Speaking during a media briefing, Malema questioned how someone who had previously occupied an important position within the EFF could consider abstaining from voting acceptable. He also argued that refusing to vote undermined the sacrifices made by South Africa’s liberation struggle leaders.

However, Ndlozi was not prepared to remain silent.

Taking to social media platform X, he turned attention towards the EFF’s electoral performance, highlighting the party’s significant decline in support.

In the 2021 local government elections, the EFF secured approximately 10.31% of the national vote. However, its support dropped to around 6.22% in the 2026 elections, representing a substantial loss of electoral ground.

Ndlozi questioned what had caused the decline, suggesting that Malema and the party’s leadership needed to confront the uncomfortable questions raised by the results.

He also defended his decision not to vote, describing it as a deliberate and conscientious choice rather than an act of political irresponsibility.

According to Ndlozi, voting is a constitutional right, not an obligation that political leaders can force upon citizens. He maintained that political parties must earn the support of voters through meaningful performance and accountability.

The disagreement comes at a difficult moment for the EFF, which has lost its previous third-place position nationally, with the MK Party moving ahead.

Malema has acknowledged the electoral setback but insists that the party will use the results to reorganise and prepare for the 2029 national and provincial elections.

The latest exchange has raised important questions about the EFF’s political direction, leadership and ability to regain public confidence.

https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2119854158735925501

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