Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF, recently denied claims of interfering in the government of national unity (GNU) negotiations with the ANC. Instead, he declared a public war on his former ally Floyd Shivambu during a meeting with EFF branches.
The Sunday Times reported Shivambu’s defection to the MK Party, citing feelings of being undermined and disrespected by Malema. This was allegedly due to Malema scuppering the EFF’s chances of joining the GNU, where Shivambu could have served as deputy finance minister.
Malema clarified that his involvement in negotiations only came after an SOS from the EFF’s secretary-general, as Shivambu and the ANC negotiators couldn’t reach an agreement. He emphasized that his refusal to join a GNU with the DA and Freedom Front Plus was his only point of contention.
Speaking at the Gauteng ground forces gathering, Malema revealed that negotiations collapsed before discussions on positions with the ANC could start.