/ 15 January 2025

ANC in Free State eyes former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi 1 1200x675
The ANC denied it was in talks with Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, but said it was open to having him join the party ahead of the 2026 local government elections. (File photo)

The ANC  in the Free State is positioning itself for leadership renewal, with discussions emerging about the potential value that former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi could bring to the party.

Sources in the ANC in the province said this week there were “behind-the-scenes” discussions taking place, which appeared to be aimed at drawing Ndlozi, who resigned last week as an EFF MP, into the party.

ANC Free State secretary Polediso Motsoeneng told the Mail & Guardian that the party was open to welcoming leaders of Ndlozi’s calibre who could “meaningfully contribute to its strategic direction”. 

“The ANC belongs to the people of South Africa. Intellectuals of Ndlozi’s calibre would undoubtedly enrich the organisation’s capacity and contribute fresh ideas to its leadership,” Motsoeneng said. 

“As the Free State, we are focused on strengthening our structures and ensuring that our leadership reflects the intellectual diversity required to address the province’s challenges.”

Speculation about a potential move by Ndlozi comes as the ANC in the Free State intensifies efforts to attract skilled individuals to rejuvenate its ranks after narrowly maintaining its dominance in the province. 

The party secured 430 806 votes, achieving a slim majority with 52.88%%, in last year’s national and provincial elections — a decrease from the  62.94% of the vote it won in the Free State in 2019.

The province has faced mounting pressure to improve service delivery and restore public confidence amid factional battles ahead of 2026 local government elections, in which it hopes to retain the province’s metros. 

Leaders in the ANC believe that figures like Ndlozi could inject the necessary energy and expertise to drive renewal and build confidence in the party, which lost national support and led to the formation of the government of national unity.

Ndlozi has been seen on several occasions recently with a senior ANC leader in Clarens, sparking speculation about the party leveraging longstanding family ties with one of its leaders. The M&G is aware of the leader’s identity but has chosen not to disclose it.

“They’ve always been close, even before Ndlozi joined the EFF. Now that his role in the EFF has diminished, discussions about his future would be strategic for the ANC,” said an ANC source in the province who asked not to be named.

ANC insiders suggest that aligning with Ndlozi could broaden the party’s appeal, particularly among young voters and in intellectual circles. 

But dynamics in the ANC remain sensitive. 

Another PEC member confirmed Ndlozi’s familial link to a senior party figure in the province, but refrained from elaborating, citing “factional tensions”.

“It’s a delicate matter and discussing it publicly could create friction within the party,” the member said.

Motsoeneng said any deployment decisions would be based on merit and strategic needs. 

“We deploy cadres based on their skills and what they can contribute to the movement. Should Ndlozi decide to join, his expertise would be considered within that framework.”

Efforts to reach Ndlozi for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication, but sources close to the one-time EFF national spokesperson said he had not decided on which route to take.

“The ANC has been speaking to him. He has kept an open mind about his next move. He can stay in the EFF and be an ordinary member while pursuing lecturing in universities, or pursue his religious interests. Time will tell,” one source said.

Another source said Ndlozi would be of more benefit to the ANC in Gauteng, where he already has followers and support.

The ANC’s interest in Ndlozi came after his relationship with the Red Berets weakened after the departure of former party deputy leader Floyd Shivambu — a close ally of Ndlozi — to Jacob Zuma’s Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.

Shivambu’s move saw Ndlozi being sidelined from EFF discussions and his subsequent resignation from parliament after not being elected to the party’s central command team, the EFF’s highest leadership body.

EFF president Julius Malema criticised party members for not pledging allegiance to the EFF after alleging that Ndlozi was aware of Shivambu’s plans to defect to the MK party but did not inform Malema. This soured relations.

Malema publicly chastised EFF leaders who remained silent during the party’s turbulent times. In one instance, Malema indirectly criticised Ndlozi’s wife, actress Mmabatho Montsho, after she “liked” an Instagram post by Shivambu announcing his defection.

Ndlozi had been touted to join theMK party, but he reportedly rejected its calls because of concern over its lack of political stability.

Political analysts suggest that a move to the ANC could offer Ndlozi a platform to regain political relevance.

Political analyst Levy Ndou said: “Ndlozi’s academic background and political experience make him a valuable asset for any party seeking to sharpen its ideological posture. For the ANC, bringing him in could symbolise a commitment to intellectual renewal.”

Ndou added that a figure such as Ndlozi could help the ANC attract younger voters and academics disillusioned with both the ruling party and opposition politics. His potential involvement might also help the ANC present a united front as it grapples with internal divisions and prepares for upcoming elections.

Still, questions remain over whether Ndlozi would align with the ANC’s internal culture and policies, given his history of strong opposition to the party’s governance. Whether the ANC can integrate him without alienating existing members is also uncertain.

Although Ndlozi has not resigned from the EFF, the party’s farewell message implied that his departure was imminent.

“The EFF wishes the fighters well in their future endeavours,” the party said in a statement.

24 Replies to “ANC in Free State eyes former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi”

  1. It is a good move to bring him back to the liberation movement .he has got that thing of becoming the next secretary general of the liberation movement .I’m talking about ANC here not that hide and seek played by the ex president zuma.please dlozi if you read this dont make a mistake by joining the mikimouse mk party .come back to the ANC we are looking forward to see u as the next secretary general of the ANC baba.

  2. it will be a good move to bring Dr ndlozi to the movement, his creative thinking it’s needed to our movement.

  3. Dr Ndlozi needs stability after what he has been through so ANC is the way to go for him @this stage

    • Anyone is free to join the. oldest liberation movement and abide by our constitution
      🖤 💚 💛

  4. Absolutely
    Good move indeed ANC is relatively stable compared to EFF& MKP where expulsions& suspensions are the order of the day

    • Ndlozi is welcome to join the party that liberate our country which is ANC .actually all of us especially the blacks we are ANC it’s just some are angry ANC. So come back home baba there is no place like home .ANC is your home

  5. Ndlozi will be perfect to join DA unifying our beloved country.

    • Dr Ndlozi needs stability after what he has been through so ANC is the way to go for him @this stage

  6. The ANC needs people of his calibre. He also needs a party that has a high possibility of ruling the country. It will be a win win situation.

  7. Bringing Ndlozi to the ANC wil be a great move to the ANC, he will be humbly welcomed. ⁹r

    • We are fully behind the organization. it is a right direction

  8. A lot can be achieved with Dr Ndlozi in ANC he’s an asset that can stand for President candidate in the future.

  9. Good move by the ANC and Ndlozi if this translates to fruition.

  10. Good move by the ANC and Ndlozi if this comes to fruition.

  11. That’s where he fits. His integrity and resilience matters most.

  12. Bringing Ndlozi or not ppl are hungry of service delivery. I don’t think by bringing Ndlozi could reduce unemployment, potholes especially in Free state so you can bring Ndlozi but I don’t think anything will change

  13. Bringing Ndlozi in would be a very strategic move. He has clarity of thought and charisma.

    • I think bringing back to the ANC the person of his calibre could be ideal indeed.

  14. Yes it’s right to join ANC so that they will fix south Africa

  15. i think is a good idea to bring ndlozi to ANC he is going to get more candidates

    • Absolutely
      Good move indeed ANC is relatively stable compared to EFF& MKP where expulsions& suspensions are the order of the day