The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated its 10th anniversary in Marikana, North West province, on July 26, 2023. The party chose this location as a symbolic gesture to honour the victims of the Marikana massacre, which occurred in 2012 when police opened fire on striking mine workers at the Lonmin platinum mine, killing 34 of them. The massacre was one of the most lethal use of force by South African security forces against civilians since the end of apartheid, and sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The EFF has been vocal in demanding justice and compensation for the families of the slain workers, as well as calling for the nationalisation of mines and land expropriation without compensation.
The party leader Julius Malema addressed a crowd of young people from Nkaneng, a nearby informal settlement where many of the mine workers lived. He said that they were not forgotten by the EFF, and that they deserved a better life and dignity. He criticized the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for failing to deliver on its promises of economic transformation and social development. He accused the ANC of being corrupt, elitist, and captured by white monopoly capital. He urged the young people to join the EFF and vote for it in the upcoming local government elections in 2024. He said that only the EFF could bring about real change and economic freedom for all.
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Many of the young people who attended the rally said that they felt rejected by the ANC and were willing to give the EFF a chance. They said that they were impressed by Malema’s charisma and courage, and that they agreed with his vision of a more equal and prosperous society. They said that they were tired of living in poverty, unemployment, and poor service delivery. They said that they wanted to see more opportunities for education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and land ownership. They said that they believed that the EFF could represent their interests and aspirations better than any other party.
The EFF’s 10th anniversary celebrations were part of a series of events that marked its decade of existence and its impact on South African politics. The party was founded in 2013 by former ANC Youth League members Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu, who were expelled from the ANC for bringing the party into disrepute. The party has grown rapidly since then, becoming the third largest party in parliament after the 2019 general elections, with 10.8% of the vote share. The party has also established itself as a vocal opposition force, challenging both the ANC and other parties on various issues such as corruption, state capture, land reform, racism, gender-based violence, xenophobia, education, health care, and foreign policy.
The party has also faced some challenges and controversies in its 10 years of existence. It has been accused of being populist, divisive, violent, undemocratic, and irresponsible by its critics. It has been involved in several legal battles over hate speech, defamation, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, assault, incitement to violence, contempt of court, tax evasion, and electoral fraud. It has also faced internal divisions and conflicts over leadership positions, ideological differences, factionalism, discipline issues, financial management issues,and allegations of sexual harassment and abuse.
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The party has also outlined its plans and strategies for the future, as it prepares for the next local government elections and the 2029 general elections. It has launched its 10th anniversary manifesto, which outlines its vision, mission, values, principles, and policies. It has also announced its campaign slogan, which is “Now is the time”. It has also embarked on a massive recruitment drive, aiming to reach 10 million members by 2029. It has also intensified its grassroots mobilisation, community engagement, and political education programmes. It has also formed alliances and partnerships with other progressive forces, such as trade unions, civil society organisations, social movements, student organisations, religious groups, traditional leaders, and international solidarity groups.
The EFF’s 10th anniversary celebrations in Marikana were a testament to the party’s resilience, relevance, and influence in South African politics. The party has shown that it is not a flash in the pan, but a serious contender for power and change. The party has also shown that it is not afraid to confront the status quo and challenge the dominant narratives and interests. The party has also shown that it is not a one-man show, but a collective movement of diverse and dynamic people who share a common vision and mission. The party has also shown that it is not a mere opposition party, but a revolutionary party that seeks to transform South Africa into a more just and equitable society.
Source:Â
https://ewn.co.za/2022/06/07/watch-live-eff-leader-julius-malema-addresses-media/
https://buzzsouthafrica.com/julius-malema/.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_Freedom_Fighters/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marikana_massacre/
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/marikana-massacre-16-august-2012.
https://buzzsouthafrica.com/fast-facts-marikana-massacre/.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Malema.
https://effonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MEDIA-IS-INVITED-TO-RSVP-FOR-THE-EFF-10TH-ANNIVERSARY-RALLY.pdf/
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/eff-to-remember-marikana-massacre/.
https://alexnews.co.za/218235/eff-celebrates-its-10-year-anniversary-with-a-spectacular-carnival/.
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/live-prof-patrick-lumumba-delivers-effs-10th-anniversary-lecture/.
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/eff-to-launch-10th-anniversary-celebration/.
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