Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that they have escalated internal disciplinary action against Mbongiseni Khumalo, a councillor in the eMadlangeni Municipality, after he accepted the position of deputy mayor without the party’s consent.
Khumalo was sworn in last month in Utrecht following what the EFF has labelled a “private arrangement” with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Failed to comply
According to the EFF’s provincial representative Themba Msibi, the party was blindsided by the appointment, only learning about it through social media.
“We are not party to what Mr Khumalo committed to. We have since written a letter to him, instructing him to resign, and that was almost two weeks ago,” Msibi said.
Despite repeated written instructions to resign, Msibi said Khumalo has failed to comply.
The matter has now been escalated to the EFF’s national governance task unit based at the party’s head office for further action.
Violation of Party Rules
The EFF maintains that any political appointments or positions must be approved by the party leadership, and Khumalo’s actions are considered a serious violation of internal protocols.
“We repeatedly reminded him through letters to immediately resign again,” Msibi added, confirming the party’s firm stance on the matter.
The incident has sparked tension within the coalition-led eMadlangeni council, raising questions about cross-party deals and internal control within political parties at the municipal level.
The EFF has not clarified whether Khumalo faces suspension or expulsion, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.
The party is expected to issue a formal directive once the task unit concludes its review.
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