Another EFF Legislator Resigns: Fana Mokoena Quits Parliament
Another high-profile figure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has resigned, adding to the recent wave of departures from the party.
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Fana Mokoena Quits Parliament
Renowned actor Fana Mokoena, who returned to parliament just four months ago, has stepped down as a Member of Parliament (MP). His resignation was confirmed by parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo on Thursday.
“We can confirm that the Speaker is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Mr Mokoena,” Mothapo said.
When contacted by TimesLIVE for details on his next move, Mokoena did not respond to their requests for comment on both Wednesday and Thursday.
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Mokoena’s History with the EFF
This marks the second time Mokoena has left parliament. He first entered as an EFF MP in May 2014, initially serving in the National Council of Provinces before moving to the National Assembly in August 2016. He held this position until October 2020, when he resigned. Following the general elections on May 29 this year, Mokoena returned to parliament in June, where he served in the sport, arts, culture, trade, industry, and competition portfolio committees.
Sources claim that Mokoena resigned earlier this week, just a day before former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane also announced her decision to leave the EFF.
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Mkhwebane Also Dumps EFF
Mkhwebane first revealed her resignation during an interview on Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s podcast, SMWX. She explained her decision, stating,
“The next step is that I’ll be resigning soon from the EFF and then it means I’m resigning from Parliament.”
After being impeached as Public Protector, Mkhwebane found a political home within the EFF. However, she admitted that her skills and expertise were not being fully utilized in her role as an ordinary MP, serving on the Justice and Constitutional Development portfolio committee.
“The impact I used to make as a Public Protector is not the impact I’m currently making,” Mkhwebane said.
Though Mkhwebane hasn’t confirmed which party she will join next, she mentioned that the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party has been showing interest in recruiting her.