Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, the former EFF spokesperson known for his sharp criticisms of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has shocked political circles with a statement praising the head of state.
Is Mbuyiseni Ndlozi cosying up to Ramaphosa?
Ndlozi, who recently left the EFF, is now politically unaffiliated, making his remarks even more intriguing.
“This man is not what we have been told he is. He is truly up to something. Of all SA heads of state, he has come out as the most committed to policies that matter for the most genuine transformation of the living conditions of our people,” Ndlozi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He specifically cited Ramaphosa’s handling of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, the newly signed Expropriation Act, and South Africa’s vocal support for Palestine as evidence of the president’s progressive agenda.
“The left needs to accept this and rethink its position towards him! Notwithstanding Marikana, Phala Phala, CR is on a journey less travelled by many in his position. Worse, under GNU conditions! No puppet of white monopoly capitalism speaks and acts like he does! Sela!” he added.
Ndlozi’s praise has raised speculation about whether he is positioning himself for a future role within the ANC or if he is rethinking his political stance following his departure from the EFF.
His shift in tone comes as Ramaphosa deals with renewed scrutiny over South Africa’s land policies, following a diplomatic attack from Donald Trump.
Ramaphosa responds to Trump’s claims about white oppression in South Africa
Ndlozi’s remarks coincided with a major international controversy, as US President Donald Trump announced he would cut all funding to South Africa over claims that the country is oppressing white citizens.
Trump, without citing any evidence, posted on Truth Social:
“South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn’t want to so much as mention. A massive Human Rights VIOLATION, at a minimum, is happening for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
The South African presidency swiftly responded, dismissing Trump’s claims as misinformation. In an official statement, Ramaphosa’s office said:
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African government has not confiscated any land.”
The statement further clarified that the recently adopted Expropriation Act does not involve land confiscation but rather aims to ensure equitable land access through legal processes aligned with the Constitution.
Ramaphosa, who previously dismissed Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s land reform in 2018, responded with a more measured tone this time.
His administration expressed willingness to engage with the Trump administration over the issue, calling the US a “key strategic partner.”
However, the financial implications of Trump’s funding freeze could be significant.
The US provided nearly $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, a substantial portion of which supports health programs such as PEPFAR, an HIV/AIDS relief initiative.
It remains unclear whether exceptions will be made for critical funding programs.
Ndlozi’s surprising endorsement of Ramaphosa comes amid these tensions, leading to speculation that he may be positioning himself differently in the shifting political landscape.
Whether this signals an ideological shift or a strategic play remains to be seen.