While the EFF deals with internal politics after deputy president and founding member Floyd Shivambu resigned to join the MK Party, Lindela Tshwete, the son of ANC Apartheid Stalwart Steve Tshwete, has joined the red berets.

NEW MEMBER

Lindelani's father was an activist with the ANC and involved in the party's military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe. With joining the EFF, Lindelani said in a statement that he was recruited and registered by King Dalindyebo's estrange wife, Queen Khazeka, a few years back. "EFF is a revolutionary organisation that I firmly believe is the true custodian of the democratic ideals our country desperately needs. It is unmatched in its commitment to building a South Africa where the fruits of liberation are enjoyed by all, not just a privileged few. It is a democracy where the land will be returned to its rightful owners, the nation's wealth will benefit every citizen, and our children will receive free, quality education," Lindelani said.

PARTIES

Lindelani's brother, Mayihlome Tshwete, who is the former spokesperson of the Department of Home Affairs, has since taken a back seat in politics. Lindela, however, said his political journey began at his birth as the son of the late Steve Tshwete, whom he described as an ANC icon and a dedicated freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in South Africa's liberation struggle. "Following in my father's footsteps, I joined the ANC, driven by the ideals he instilled in me. However, in my search for a political home that aligned with my evolving views,' he added. "I later joined the Democratic Alliance (DA), where I served as a councillor in the City of Cape Town. Unfortunately, my experience there was marred by the subtle racism and hypocrisy that contradicted the party's supposed merit-based ethos, leading me to resign before completing my term," he said.

LEGACY

Lindelani said he believed his political career had come to an end. "But the unholy alliance between the ANC and the DA, along with other opportunistic parties, compelled me to reconsider my stance,' he said. "After careful reflection, I realised that the EFF is the only party that consistently and courageously champions the rights of the people. As we commemorate the 12th anniversary of the Marikana massacre today, where Indigenous people were brutally murdered for demanding fair wages and decent working conditions, it is worth remembering that the EFF was the only political force that stood with the workers. COSATU, despite its claims to represent labour, was conspicuously absent,' he added.