SHIVAMBU ALLEGES EFF WASTED R50M IN LEGAL FEES, AND RENTED CROWD!

Tensions within South Africa’s evolving political landscape have intensified after Floyd Shivambu launched a scathing attack on his former ally Julius Malema, accusing him of reckless leadership and costly political decisions.

Speaking during an appearance on the popular Podcast and Chill with MacG, Shivambu, now president of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, did not hold back.

He described Malema’s conduct involving a firearm as “childish,” arguing that such behaviour from a political leader undermines both public trust and accountability.

The remarks come in the wake of renewed scrutiny around Malema’s firearm case, which recently resulted in a five-year prison sentence, currently under appeal.

The case stems from a 2018 rally where Malema fired a rifle in a public setting, an incident the courts deemed unlawful and dangerous.

Shivambu used the moment to widen his criticism, alleging that the Economic Freedom Fighters has spent an estimated R50 million over the years dealing with the legal fallout of the case.

According to him, these costs include legal fees and the mobilisation of supporters to attend court proceedings.

He further claimed that party resources have been diverted to “buy support,” referencing organised displays of loyalty such as “hands off Julius” campaigns seen outside courtrooms.

These claims, while controversial, add to ongoing debates about internal accountability and financial priorities within political movements.

Once a central figure within the EFF, Shivambu’s criticism signals a deepening rift between former comrades.

Having co-founded the party alongside Malema in 2013, Shivambu has since repositioned himself as a vocal critic, accusing the organisation of drifting from its founding principles and embracing what he previously described as a “toxic culture.”

Political analysts say the public fallout reflects broader fractures in South Africa’s opposition politics, where personality-driven leadership and legal controversies continue to shape party dynamics.

While the EFF has yet to formally respond to Shivambu’s latest remarks, the comments are likely to fuel further debate, not only about Malema’s leadership style but also about the cost of political loyalty in an increasingly competitive landscape.

As the legal battle continues and political lines are redrawn, Shivambu’s outspoken stance may mark the beginning of a more aggressive challenge to his former political home.