WATCH | Red beret reunion? Julius Malema opens door for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi

by Staff Bona

EFF leader Julius Malema has offered a conciliatory message to former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stalwart Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, suggesting he would welcome him back into the party should he choose to return.

Julius said he would “roll out a red carpet” for Mbuyiseni if he decided to rejoin the movement after resigning from the EFF last year.

In a recent interview with SABC News, Julius described Mbuyiseni as “one of the few who conducted himself in a very different manner” compared with other former members, underscoring his respect for Mbuyiseni’s conduct.

“He is one of a few who conducted himself in a different manner because I know for a fact that once they leave the EFF, they start behaving like they are potential patients of a mental hospital,” he said.

Mbuyiseni’s departure from the EFF in early 2025 came after months of internal party tension and factional disputes, including his suspension prior to the party’s elective conference amid accusations  which he denied  that he had been involved in an “infiltration strategy.”

Mbuyiseni said he was suspended and told not to participate in party activities weeks before that conference, which contributed to his decision to leave.

At the time of his resignation, Mbuyiseni said he had decided to step away from mainstream party politics to pursue other avenues, including academia and civil society engagement.

He explained that while he had contributed significantly to political life, he wanted to seek other ways to serve the public outside party structures.

Despite Julius’s recent invitation, he drew a clear line between Mbuyiseni and other former EFF leaders. When asked about the possibility of bringing back Floyd Shivambu, who now leads the MK Party, Julius said “No, no,” emphasising that the EFF constitution prohibits members who have formally joined another party from returning.

 

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele

Also see: Mbuyiseni Ndlozi steps down from his role in EFF