Cape Town - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF’s) Lucky Twala has resigned as a member of parliament.
Twala was in February suspended for three years, which would fall away should he apologise in writing to the party’s secretary general for his role in the “save the soul” campaign.
Three other MPs - Andile Mngxitama, Mpho Ramakatsa and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala – were expelled from the EFF for bringing the party into disrepute after the “Group of Four” accused party president Julius Malema and EFF leadership of corruption and cover-ups.
Twala told News24 he was not willing to apologise for “what I believe are valid concerns”.
“I tendered my resignation, because the situation over the past few months was untenable.
“The damage in the relationship between me and those higher up in the party was irreparable. This move was the wiser decision.”
Twala said he was called in on Thursday and told by party leaders that if he was not willing to apologise, he would have to resign.
“I am not willing to deviate from my beliefs to ensure my political survival. My mandate was to serve the interests of the citizens and to change people’s lives for the better,” he said.
He said he would remain a member of the party “and continue to tackle the challenges affecting the people”.
EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has reportedly confirmed Twala’s resignation had been accepted.