Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has alleged that advocate Dali Mpofu proposed the dissolution of the EFF to back a new political party led by former President Jacob Zuma. According to Malema, Mpofu presented this idea, suggesting that the EFF should merge with other small political parties to rally behind Zuma’s newly-formed MK Party (MKP), which Mpofu himself has admitted to spearheading.

This news surfaced during a podcast featuring Malema in conversation with Leigh-Ann Mathis, the EFF’s national spokesperson. Malema shared details of the proposal, recalling a pivotal meeting in 2023 where Mpofu formally introduced the idea. Although Malema stated that the EFF’s leadership unanimously rejected the proposal, the meeting sparked a tense moment within the party, particularly between Mpofu and EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu.

“Floyd said, ‘No way, this is not going to happen,’”

Malema recalled, explaining that Shivambu expressed outright disbelief that Mpofu was not merely tolerating the idea but actively endorsing it. Malema described Shivambu’s reaction after the meeting as one of shock, realizing that Mpofu had not only contemplated the plan but had put it to paper and strategized around it.

“He was extremely shocked that Dali is not only proposing it; he had written it down and has had time to think about it,”

Malema remarked.

The idea of dismantling the EFF to support Zuma’s MKP was, in Malema’s words, unthinkable. He asserted his opposition to the concept, clarifying that he could not imagine shutting down the EFF, a party he co-founded and nurtured. Mpofu, however, suggested that the matter could be revisited after the May 29 elections, hinting at the possibility of discussing it further if conditions changed.

“I told him it was not going to happen. I do not agree with that, and there is no EFF that is going to close shop,”

Malema affirmed, underscoring his commitment to the EFF’s continued operation.

Throughout the meetings, alternative suggestions were floated. Malema mentioned that one consideration was to leverage the EFF’s substantial influence across South Africa, given the party’s larger footprint. Yet, ultimately, the concept of a merger was rejected by Malema and his close allies, who saw it as a compromise of the party’s foundational principles and objectives.

Malema further disclosed that he approached Zuma directly, inquiring whether he would consider endorsing the EFF in the interest of progressive unity. While he expressed openness to discussions post-election, Zuma reportedly dismissed the proposal, stating that it would not be fitting for “old people” to throw their support behind the EFF, a party known for its fiery and youthful energy.

In a turn of events, Mpofu, who had served as the EFF’s national chairperson, announced his departure from the party to formally join MKP, citing personal introspection and a commitment to the political objectives he believed MKP represented.

“I believe MK is the vehicle which will achieve the much-needed black and progressive unity,”

Mpofu declared, aligning himself with MKP as he departed from the “red berets” in favour of Zuma’s new party.

Mpofu explained that the original plan for MKP aimed to bring together smaller parties, consolidating them under Zuma’s leadership. The vision included a coalition with parties such as the African Transformation Movement (ATM), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), ARETA, African Christian Party (ACP), and Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo), alongside the EFF. This coalition strategy was discussed well before MKP’s official launch, which occurred in December 2023.