Recent developments in the political arena, particularly the departure of Floyd Shivambu from the EFF, reinforce the unity of the Progressive Caucus, ATM leader, Vuyo Zungula, said on Wednesday.
Zungula was speaking to The Star on what impact Shivambu’s departure from the Red Berets to join the MK Party would have on the Caucus.
“Individuals may leave one party to join another, but they continue to pledge allegiance to the Progressive Caucus Charter.
“That charter binds us all together with a cord of steel. Even if there are occasional disagreements, we remain joined at the hip.
“Floyd’s move will not hamper any development. He remains committed to the principles outlined in the Progressive Caucus Charter,” the ATM leader explained.
He said prior to leaving, Shivambu assured him that he would continue identifying himself with the revolutionary document, adding that for as long as Shivambu stayed true to his word, he would remain a brother of his.
Zungula said he didn’t expect any friction between EFF leader Julius Malema and his former deputy or from other progressive partners.
Shivambu remained an integral part of the progressive Left in the country, he said.
“He has simply moved from one progressive party to another, both of which are part of the Progressive Caucus.
“The ideology has not shifted, and we don’t anticipate any change in attitude either. Our interactions will continue to be as cordial and collaborative as they have always been.”
On the question of whether, he or his members was approached by MK Party to join their organisation, Zungu said he neither he nor his members have been approached.
“I have not been approached, and to my knowledge, none of our members have been approached either.
“I remain a committed member and president of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), and through my leadership in ATM, I am also a member of the Progressive Caucus,” he added.
Meanwhile, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed that discussions with Shivambu had begun well before the elections.
Ndhlela also alluded that the party had engaged other parties with progressive policies to form a united front.
“This was before, during and after the elections. As to when comrades decided to join the MK Party, that’s a different story,” he said.
The fallout between Malema and Shivambu comes four months before the EFF’s third National People’s Assembly (NPA), where new leaders are set to be elected.
While addressing the Gauteng EFF provincial ground forces forum at Orlando Community Hall in Soweto on Monday, Malema urged those who were considering leaving the EFF because of Shivambu’s departure to do so immediately, emphasising that if they were contemplating leaving, they should act on it right away.
“Leave now, so that we can know how many soldiers we have in this struggle to liberate us. You must leave today because nothing is going to change between now and December, nothing is going to change now and the future.
“Leave now, we have no reason to beg anyone. If you want to leave, leave now and leave us alone. Even if we are alone, we will always continue to speak truth to power. It’s very painful to count the soldiers you don’t have,” he had said.
The Star