On Thursday, November 7th, Advocate Dali Mpofu formally announced his departure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, a political movement he co-planned alongside former South African President Jacob Zuma. In a detailed statement on his X account, Mpofu described the move as part of his 50-year journey of political activism and struggle for the total liberation of South Africa and Africa.
Mpofu’s storied political career began in the African National Congress (ANC), where he spent 33 years before joining the EFF in 2013. As EFF chairperson, Mpofu played a key role in shaping the party’s policies but later focused on legal work. Reflecting on his transition, Mpofu emphasized that his allegiance lies with the broader goal of liberation rather than individual organizations. “We must never fall into the trap of veneration of the vehicles and mistaking them for the destination,” he wrote in his statement.
Mpofu elaborated on his decision to join MK, calling it the “correct vehicle” for uniting South Africans and achieving total decolonization. He described the MK Party as a “modern and now legal version” of the ANC’s military wing, Umkhonto weSizwe, which he joined in the 1980s. The MK Party was officially launched by Zuma in December 2023, following extensive discussions about its formation after the ANC’s 2022 conference. According to Mpofu, the MK Party represents a renewed vision for dismantling economic oppression and achieving unity among progressive forces.
In his announcement, Mpofu criticized the ANC under Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing it of betraying its liberation mandate by forming a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA). He also addressed his departure from the EFF, asserting there was no bad blood with its leader, Julius Malema. “I have not left the EFF. It is simply that at this juncture, MK is the best hope for achieving revolutionary dreams,” Mpofu stated.
Mpofu views the MK Party as the key to uniting South Africans across political divides. He urged citizens to rally behind a common goal of liberation, declaring, “We must answer the call for unity in action in our millions.” His move underscores his belief in black unity as the most powerful weapon against systemic oppression.
As South Africa grapples with political realignments, Mpofu’s defection is seen as a pivotal moment, symbolizing a broader push for decolonization and unity.
