Former government spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi, last night announced his departure from the African Transformation Movement (ATM), saying he has found a new home with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Manyi made the unexpected announcement in a tweet and said he would serve South Africa better as a member of the EFF.
In an interview with Newsnote shortly after his announcement, Manyi said he believed the EFF was the only party in South Africa, with the capacity, tools and mindset to rid the country of ills such as corruption and to economically emancipate the people.
“South Africa is a failed state, it requires an organisation that can act with a sense of urgency, and the EFF being the third largest political party, is well poised to ensure that the country becomes a sovereign state in the true sense of the word. The EFF is the real alternative to the ANC,” says Manyi.
The seasoned communicator believes his joining the EFF will help the party emerge victorious in the upcoming general elections. “I joined the EFF to make sure that in 2024, South Africa is governed by the red berets,” Manyi says.
Manyi’s move is the latest in his political roaming which saw him join the ATM in 2019, after leaving his long time political home, the ANC, claiming it had lost its moral compass.
In 2021, The Jacob Zuma foundation appointed him its spokesperson, a role that has seen him defending Zuma as he battles multiple court cases over the past few years.
Manyi says his departure from the ATM is not a pronouncement on the party at all, but is a decision that is aligned with his desire to contribute to the betterment of the country. He also points out that his departure is peaceful, and that there were no fights that led to it.
The former ATM’s chief of policy, says he believes strongly in the seven cardinal pillars of the EFF, and that its policies are in line with the freedom charter.
In his statement, Manyi highlights what he considers some of the EFF’s successes, including the party’s 2020 march to Eskom offices and its March 2023 “Shutdown”, saying these events had found resonance with his personal convictions.
The ATM has wished Manyi well after his resignation with its spokesperson Zama Ntshona noting Manyi’s contribution to the political landscape of the country.
Efforts to reach the EFF for comment were unsuccessful.
