Malema shrugs off ‘Mayibuye’ movement, reinforces EFF’s political path
Mathipa Phishego
Image: Economic Freedom Fighters via X
Caption: Eyewitness presenter, Tshidi Madia and the Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema at the Polotricking podcast
A firebrand politician and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has downplayed the significance of the emerging Mayibuye movement, calling it a “non-starter” during his appearance on July 3, this week’s Politricking with Tshidi Madia, an Eyewitness News politics podcast.
Malema, never one to mince his words, he made it clear that neither Mayibuye Mandela, nor any offshoot political initiative bearing the name Mayibuye, poses a meaningful threat to the EFF’s revolutionary agenda or national influence. “You can’t replace substance with surnames,” he said pointedly, in what appeared to be a jab at the symbolic use of Nelson Mandela’s legacy within alternative political formations.
Malema’s comments come at a time when the EFF is navigating a delicate internal reconfiguration following the departure of Floyd Shivambu, once seen as his most trusted deputy. While some political analysts speculated that Shivambu’s exit could pave the way for rival formations like Mayibuye to siphon off ideological ground or youthful support. Malema brushed off such concerns.
“We’re not in the business of chasing clout or ghosts of struggle credentials,” he remarked, adding that the EFF remains rooted in ground-level work and discipline over popularity.
In the same podcast episode, Malema also took direct aim at the African National Congress (ANC), describing it as arrogant and in permanent denial about its eroding credibility. He accused the ruling party of exploiting post-election coalition talks to maintain control without earning a fresh mandate from the people.
He warned against what he called elite pact-making behind closed doors, in which movements like Mayibuye, or other ANC-aligned structures, “serve as soft landings for rejected comrades.” Pointing out that comrades at Mayibuye are the same people fired by Floyd at EFF, “All of them were fired by him except the Deputy Convenor of Mayibuye and they know it, the next thing they agree they were fire by me,” stated Malema on the podcast.
Malema reiterated his long-held disdain for legacy politics, arguing that the South African electorate deserves more than recycled slogans and symbolic alliances. “Liberation is not inheritance, you earn your place through service and sacrifice, not by birthright.” he said. This comment was widely interpreted as a direct critique of those who use the Mandela family name as political capital. Perhaps an indirect reference to Mayibuye Mandela, who has made public appearances aligned with new youth-driven political agendas.
Despite a volatile political landscape marked by splinter movements and shifting allegiances, Malema remains focused on the EFF’s long-term goals. The party, now 12 years old, is preparing for what he called “a generational offensive” ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. “We’re not panicking, let others try trend-making, we will be doing the work on the ground,” Malema concluded.
