Actor and former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Fana Mokoena is reportedly no longer part of Floyd Shivambu’s Mayibuye political movement, months after being unveiled as one of the prominent figures involved in the organisation’s early consultation process.
Mokoena was among a group of former EFF party figures announced by Shivambu in June 2025 as part of the Mayibuye Consultation Process. At the time, the former EFF politician was positioned as part of the movement’s National Consultation Team (NCT), alongside figures including Vusi Khoza, Patrick Sindane and Menzi Ngubane.
His involvement came after a long political association with Shivambu. Mokoena had been a senior EFF figure and member of the party’s Central Command Team before resigning from the EFF and Parliament in October 2024. The two had previously been regarded as political allies, with Mokoena having worked closely with Shivambu during their years in the EFF.
Mayibuye itself later described Mokoena as a former EFF Central Command Team member and member of its National Consultation Team, stating that he had voluntarily resigned from the EFF rather than being expelled. In a statement responding to criticism of its recruitment of former EFF members, the movement said: “Fana Mokoena, Former CCT and Member of Parliament and current member of Mayibuye NCT- never fired from the EFF but voluntarily resigned.”
However, sources familiar with developments inside Mayibuye now allege that relations between Mokoena and Shivambu became strained following the arrival of Themba “Skeem GP” Lukhele.
Lukhele, a reality television personality, ex-convict, podcaster and political activist, became associated with Shivambu’s political project during its development and was later given a prominent organisational role. In 2025, Lukhele confirmed that he was in discussions to join the Mayibuye project, describing his move into politics as a continuation of an interest he had long held. By May 2026, Shivambu had formally announced Lukhele as Mayibuye’s head of mobilisation, placing the popular media personality in a significant position as the movement prepared for the local government elections.
According to the source, it was around this period that tensions allegedly intensified between Mokoena and Shivambu. The source claims that differences emerged over the direction of the organisation and the changing influence of new figures within Mayibuye, with Lukhele’s growing prominence allegedly contributing to the breakdown in the relationship between the two former EFF comrades.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and neither Mokoena nor Shivambu has publicly confirmed that a personal or political fallout between them was responsible for Mokoena’s reported departure.
Mokoena’s reported exit would nevertheless represent a notable development for Mayibuye, given his status as one of the better-known political figures recruited during the movement’s formative months.
When Shivambu announced the consultation team in June 2025, he described the project as an attempt to determine whether there was a need for a new political organisation in South Africa. The group included former members of both the EFF and MK Party and was tasked with engaging communities across the country.
Mayibuye has since evolved from a consultation process into a fully fledged political movement, with Shivambu announcing leadership appointments and positioning the organisation for the 2026 local government elections. Lukhele’s appointment as head of mobilisation is part of that broader organisational restructuring.
Mokoena’s reported departure therefore comes at a time when Mayibuye is attempting to consolidate its structures and expand its political footprint. Mokoena could not be reached for comment.
