Solomon
In a surprising turn of events, Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), has dismissed the much-publicized feud between Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu as a mere creation of political fiction.
The two leaders, who were once key allies in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have recently been at the center of media speculation surrounding their alleged fallout.
However, Mbalula’s comments suggest that the rift is more of a staged drama, with both men continuing to collaborate behind closed doors.
Mbalula’s Statement: Political Theater or Reality?
In a recent media interview, Fikile Mbalula described the reported conflict between Malema and Shivambu as “nothing but a movie” designed for public consumption.
According to Mbalula, the dispute is entirely fabricated to draw attention and create headlines.
He went as far as to claim that the two leaders, despite their public disagreements, are still allies working together in the background.
Mbalula remarked:
“That’s a movie we’re being subjected to. That fight between Floyd and Julius? It’s not real — it’s fiction. These people are buddies.”
This statement has caused a stir in the political circles of South Africa, as it challenges the public narrative of discord between the two former EFF leaders.
Mbalula’s take on the situation raises important questions about the authenticity of political conflicts and whether they are sometimes engineered for strategic reasons.
Shivambu’s Contrasting Viewpoint
In stark contrast to Mbalula’s perspective, Floyd Shivambu has made comments that suggest a more strained and professional relationship with Julius Malema.
Shivambu, in a recent podcast appearance, spoke candidly about his association with Malema, stating that their relationship was primarily rooted in political goals rather than personal camaraderie.
He said:
“Sometimes this so-called brotherhood is not brotherhood, it borders on gangsterism relationships.”
These words indicate a significant distance between the two leaders, suggesting that their bond may not be as close as it once was.
Shivambu’s statement points to the complexity of their political partnership, which, according to him, has evolved from a once strong alliance into a more transactional arrangement.
The History of Malema and Shivambu’s Alliance
Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu were once inseparable in South Africa’s political scene.
Both were instrumental in founding the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in 2013 after their departure from the ANC Youth League.
The two men, with their bold rhetoric and defiant stance against the ANC, quickly garnered a substantial following, positioning the EFF as a key political player in the country.
Their partnership had been seen as a formidable force in South African politics, advocating for radical economic changes, including land expropriation without compensation and the nationalization of key industries.
However, their alliance has recently come under strain, with public statements and moves that suggest their once-solid relationship is now faltering.
Floyd Shivambu’s Move to the MK Party
One of the major developments in this saga is Shivambu’s decision to join the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma.
This move has fueled speculation about deeper divisions within the EFF and questions about Shivambu’s political ambitions.
Mbalula has weighed in on this development, claiming that Shivambu’s move to the MK Party is part of a broader strategy to “manage” Zuma and other figures within the party.
He explained:
“Floyd has been sent to manage Zuma in the MK Party and Dali Mpofu.”
This statement suggests that Shivambu’s decision may not have been entirely motivated by personal differences with Malema but rather by a strategic decision to align with former political heavyweights.
The involvement of Zuma, who has been a controversial figure in South African politics, adds further intrigue to the shifting political alliances.
Corruption Allegations: A Complicating Factor
Amid the public debate about their relationship, both Malema and Shivambu are facing corruption allegations related to the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank in 2018.
According to an affidavit from Tshifhiwa Matodzi, the former chair of the bank, both Malema and Shivambu allegedly received payments to protect the bank from scrutiny.
These payments are believed to have been used for personal expenses, including designer clothing and private schooling for Malema’s son.
The corruption allegations have placed additional strain on their political careers, with critics questioning the integrity of the two leaders.
Despite these challenges, both men remain influential figures in South African politics, and their next moves will be closely watched by both their supporters and detractors.
Conclusion: A Political Drama in the Making?
The feud between Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu, once seen as a defining partnership in South African politics, now seems to be evolving into a complex political drama.
Fikile Mbalula’s recent comments suggest that what the public perceives as a bitter fallout may, in fact, be a carefully orchestrated narrative.
Meanwhile, Shivambu’s own words reveal a more distant and pragmatic relationship with Malema, one that may have been shaped by changing political goals and personal ambitions.
As the corruption allegations against both leaders continue to unfold, their political futures remain uncertain.
Will Malema and Shivambu continue to play out their roles as allies or rivals? Only time will tell, but for now, it appears that the drama is far from over.
Charles Esther