The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), nursing its wounds from recent leadership losses, is set to convene its third elective conference, formally termed the National People's Assembly, from December 12 to 15 at the Nasrec Conference Centre in Johannesburg.
EFF president Julius Malema confirmed these plans during a media briefing held at the party's headquarters, outlining the significance of the upcoming gathering for the party's future trajectory.
The National People's Assembly will serve as a crucial forum for EFF branches, enabling them to elect new leaders who will steer the party until 2029, alongside revisiting and reforming existing policies. In efforts to ensure a smooth and disruption-free conference, Malema stated that preparations are progressing seamlessly.
"Registration of all delegates will take place at the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus on December 12, starting from 10 am. All delegates from branches, regions, and provinces will be transported to the registration venue, with accommodation arranged in various hotels around Johannesburg, complemented by daily shuttles to the Nasrec Expo Centre," Malema elaborated, allaying fears of logistical challenges.
As anticipation builds in the lead-up to the conference, EFF Secretary General Marshall Dlamini has dismissed suggestions that the party is entering the conference fractured and struggling to define its course, particularly in light of recent high-profile exits, including that of former deputy president Floyd Shivambu.
“It is not true that the EFF is unable to articulate itself, and those who are criticising us are our enemies, whose job it is to criticise us. But if you talk of the facts now, during this term, the EFF established a Gender-based Violence desk and has been at the forefront of championing the issues of GBV in this country. We have also established a labour desk, and this desk has been found in the shop and factory floors across this country,” Dlamini defended, emphasising the party's active engagement in several key socio-political issues.
Shivambu’s departure in August, following a disappointing performance at the polls where the EFF secured just over 9% of the vote, has led to rampant speculation regarding potential successors for the deputy president role. Political analysts suggest that Dlamini, Godrich Gardee, or Viyani Pambo might rise to prominence as frontrunners in this critical leadership contest.
Furthermore, there is growing concern among analysts about the party's ideological direction, in light of resignations attributed to perceived deficiencies in political ideology, escalating tensions around racial matters, and concerns over governance effectiveness. The upcoming National People's Assembly is poised to address these internal challenges as the EFF seeks to redefine its path forward in a charged political landscape.
Speaking to The Star ahead of the much-anticipated conference, political commentator, Mzoxolo Mpolase indicated that this will be more of a coronation and less of an elective conference as the outcomes of who will lead the party has already been determined ahead of the conference.
“This will be a coronation, not a real contest, for Julius Malema and his loyalists — the likes of Marshall Dlamini, Godrich Gardee, and others. While it will be dressed up as unity and discipline, there will be little in the way of genuine competition,” he said.
Mpolase added:“Yes, the EFF party is weaker not only because of its poor showing in the elections earlier this year but also due to the steady haemorrhaging of its core leadership. Added to this is the increasing difficulty of selling the EFF to voters. The party’s radicalism, rooted in its “7 Cardinal Principles” and extreme left ideology, can only take it so far.“
Another political commentator, Thobani Zikalala said the party might come out guns blazing in order to assert itself strongly following key departures.
“I expect the EFF to come out strongly as wants to assert itself. So, you are going to see a very disciplined EFF or an attempt at being very disciplined organised conference. The EFF is one of the most organised political parties in the country, especially at that level of conferences,” said Zikalala.
The Star