United Kingdom based Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Zimbabwe party founding president, Innocent Ndibali, has stepped down as leader, paving way for his Bulawayo based vice Xolani Tshuma to take over.
His decision to step down as party leader was heavily influenced by Covid-19 pandemic, as he cannot relocate to Zimbabwe as had been planned.
Ndibali has been at the helm of the political party since its formation four years ago, when it was created and modelled along South Africa’s opposition party – EFF led by Julius Malema.
“I am happy to announce significant and historic changes for our party. Cde Xolani Tshuma has been redeployed to the position of interim party president until the National People’s Assembly. I am stepping down,” he said.
“The initial plan had been for me to relocate to Zimbabwe in January 2021 but that has changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic among other challenges, which is still upon us globally. I am therefore unable to relocate to Zimbabwe next year.”
Ndibali, however, said he would remain an active member of the party’s Central Command Team.
“I will continue to play a significant role as the founder of the party. Cde Tshuma is an experienced, skilful and hardworking politician. I am confident that the party is in capable hands. I am asking all the leaders to support him to grow the party and more importantly to be an authentic voice of the poor and downtrodden in our society,” he said.
In 2017, Ndibali made headlines after he was arrested while addressing journalists at the Bulawayo Media Centre.
Police alleged Ndibali had violated his visa conditions by addressing journalists but was later acquitted of the charges.
