Former EFF national organizer Mmabatho Mokause joins Jacob Zuma’s MK Party

Mmabatho Mokause, a prominent former national organizer and member of Parliament from the Northern Cape under the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has officially left the party to join Jacob Zuma’s newly formed Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party.

This move comes on the heels of a similar defection by Floyd Shivambu, the former EFF Deputy President, who has also taken up the role of National Organizer in the MK Party.

Mmabatho Mokause’s departure is significant, given her deep involvement in the EFF’s growth and her strong advocacy for social justice, economic transformation, and the rights of marginalized communities.

Her work in the Northern Cape, particularly in expanding the EFF’s influence, made her a key player in the party. However, her decision to follow Shivambu’s path suggests growing dissatisfaction with the EFF’s internal dynamics.

Floyd Shivambu’s Influence and the MK Party’s Recruitment Drive

Floyd Shivambu, who recently joined the MK Party, has been actively recruiting former EFF members dissatisfied with the party’s direction. His recruitment strategy is part of a broader effort to build the MK Party into a significant political force by attracting experienced politicians with a strong track record in grassroots mobilization.

The EFF’s performance in the Northern Cape during the 2024 general elections, where it saw a decline in support, underscores the challenges the party faces.

Analysts attribute this decline to internal divisions and the emergence of the MK Party as a credible alternative. The loss of leaders like Former National Organizer Mokause to the MK Party is likely to further weaken the EFF’s position in the province.

Shivambu’s transition to the MK Party has been a major development in South African politics. In his recent comments, Shivambu criticized the EFF’s leadership for straying from its revolutionary roots and expressed his commitment to building the MK Party into a powerful political force. His remarks resonate with many who feel the EFF has become too focused on electoral politics at the expense of its founding principles.

Also Read: Acting President Mashatile says attacks on Police are attacks on the State

Despite these challenges, the EFF has continued its efforts to mobilize its base, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Party leader Julius Malema has been working to reassure supporters of the EFF’s continued relevance and to counter the growing influence of the MK Party.

Meanwhile, the MK Party has embarked on a series of provincial visits to assess its organizational strength and strategize for upcoming elections.

These visits, led by senior leaders like Jacob Zuma and Floyd Shivambu, aim to solidify the party’s presence across South Africa and to challenge the dominance of the ANC and the EFF in key provinces.