Former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has confirmed her resignation from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a decision she disclosed during an interview with podcaster and political analyst Sizwe Mpofu-Welsh. This announcement comes only months after she publicly swore to remain with the party, despite swirling media conjecture surrounding her political future following her husband’s recent affiliation with Jacob Zuma’s new formation, the MK Party.
As she discussed her motivations for this significant shift, Mkhwebane acknowledged feeling increasingly stifled within the EFF, citing what she perceives as a lack of internal democracy. “I think I will be leaving. I will be resigning soon from the EFF and by implication parliament,” she stated, suggesting a desire for a new direction in her career. “I will move to something else. I think I can contribute more somewhere else than where I currently am,” she continued, hinting at various offers that appeal to her, although she acknowledged their political nature and her pressing personal obligations, stating, “I have debts, children.”
In insinuating a future connection with the MK Party, Mkhwebane confirmed that the organisation has reached out to her several times, revealing, “Well, they’ve approached me several times, even before Floyd left.” She noted her commitment to the EFF and expressed disappointment at how her contributions had become hampered by the party’s rigid hierarchical structure defined by “democratic centralism.” “There are certain things that are not for me,” she explained, alluding to the way decisions must be followed unquestioningly.
Despite her departure, Mkhwebane spoke positively about the EFF’s policies, noting their excellence but lamenting her feelings of under-utilisation, “I feel like I am not fully utilised in terms of my expertise.” She also recognised the similarities in policies between the EFF and the MK Party, indicating that she would consider their offers, should they still stand.
The irony of the situation is palpable; Mkhwebane’s concerns about a lack of internal democracy might be unwittingly transferred to the MK Party. Recent reports suggest that the MKP has established Jacob Zuma as the supreme leader, granting him significant authority while prohibiting internal elections—a sharp contradiction to the principles Mkhwebane has cited as her reason for departing the EFF.