Johannesburg – EFF leader Julius Malema has offered a conciliatory message to former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stalwart Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, suggesting he would welcome him back into the party should he choose to return.
Malema said he would “roll out a red carpet” for Ndlozi if he decided to rejoin the movement after resigning from the EFF last year.
In a recent interview with SAB News, Malema described Ndlozi as “one of the few who conducted himself in a very different manner” compared with other former members, underscoring his respect for Ndlozi’s conduct.
“He is one of a few who conducted himself in a different manner because I know for a fact that once they leave the EFF, they start behaving like they are potential patients of a mental hospital,” he said.
Ndlozi’s departure from the EFF in early 2025 came after months of internal party tension and factional disputes, including his suspension prior to the party’s elective conference amid accusations which he denied that he had been involved in an “infiltration strategy.”
Ndlozi said he was suspended and told not to participate in party activities weeks before that conference, which contributed to his decision to leave.
“If Mbuyiseni Ndlozi were to come to the EFF, i would put a red carpet for him” – Julius Malema.
Dr Mbuyiseni is our person he is welcome in the EFF anytime, unlike that one of Malamulele who is behaving like a potential patient of a mental hospital. pic.twitter.com/H6wOnsbWSJ
— Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) February 5, 2026
At the time of his resignation, Ndlozi said he had decided to step away from mainstream party politics to pursue other avenues, including academia and civil society engagement.
He explained that while he had contributed significantly to political life, he wanted to seek other ways to serve the public outside party structures.
Despite Malema’s recent invitation, he drew a clear line between Ndlozi and other former EFF leaders. When asked about the possibility of bringing back Floyd Shivambu, who now leads the MK Party, Malema said “No, no,” emphasising that the EFF constitution prohibits members who have formally joined another party from returning.
Former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi shares his future plans after resigning from the red berets. Ndlozi confirmed that he was suspended prior to his exit from the party. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/D4tIC1DB3q
— eNCA (@eNCA) February 14, 2025
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has resigned as an EFF member of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/RiYKSSCd6H
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) January 9, 2025
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
