Red letter day for the EFF

Zuma's party may be 'haven' for Floyd with VBS cloud hanging over his head.

- Thando Nondywana

The shock departure of Floyd Shivambu, former deputy president of the EFF, to align with Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has raised concerns about the stability of the red berets, as well as Shivambu's political ambitions.

It's a dramatic twist in the EFF's existence, with significant implications for the party's future and its position in South African politics, according to political analyst Levy Ndou.

"Shivambu has been a major force in providing political and ideological clarity in the EFF. His absence will be felt and could lead to a decline, depending on how the leadership manages this moving forward.

"If not handled properly, it could have negative consequences, but if done well as suggested by the joint press conference with both leaders it could indicate that Shivambu is leaving with the leadership's blessings."

Shivambu's resignation might be strategic, potentially strengthening the EFF by forming alliances outside the party which could benefit them, Ndou said.