ANC not playing open cards on whether it's in talks with EFF's Ndlozi

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) says it cannot confirm nor deny that it is actively trying to recruit the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)'s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. 

The Mail and Guardian newspaper recently reported that the ANC in the Free State has been speaking to Ndlozi with hopes of having him jump ship. 

Ndlozi recently resigned as an EFF member of Parliament after losing his seat in the party's central command team. 

The ANC's Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, whose local branch is based in the Free State, said Ndlozi would be a welcome addition to any political party. 

READ: Mbuyiseni Ndlozi steps down as EFF MP

"Mbuyiseni, are we talking to him, I don't know, it is possible. It's only him and him, only that can speak for himself but I would not be shocked the ANC can talk to him because he is a good member of society, and in a realm of politics, he is a good politician so why not talk to him." 

Mbalula said Ndlozi has been treated horribly by the EFF.

"When his party ejects him like that, just kick somebody like Mbuyiseni out, it means Julius [Malema] is powerful, and he is overconfident in himself. Mbuyiseni is a glass palace, he is not just a small boy but if you are powerful, you are powerful and if you think a glass palace like Mbuyiseni can just be kicked out like that. So there is nothing wrong for ANC members and anyone to talk to Mbuyiseni.

"If he leaves his party, why not talk to him and join the ANC and contribute in the South African body politic of the country? It looks like he was kicked out, he was shown he was no [of] value to his party. If he decides to be a politician and wants to remain in politics and pursue the agenda of transformation, liberation of our people, we in the ANC are open to that, he can come."