Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
11 December 2024 | 16:40 CAT
3 min read

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are preparing for their elective conference this week, with the party considering a restructuring of its leadership, from the student command to the regents. Floyd Shivambu has claimed responsibility for conceptualising many of the discussion documents to be tabled at the conference, and there are indications that EFF President Julius Malema may support some of these proposed changes.

However, as the party enters the conference, political analyst Nteboheleng Tsehla describes the mood as “sombre”, particularly following the high-profile departures of Floyd Shivambu and Dali Mpofu.

“It’s not as jovial as they would normally be or should be. I think there are a lot of things that are hanging in the air, especially regarding the departure of the deputy president of Dali Mpofu and a few others who went and joined the MK party, but especially Shivambu,” she said.

She believes the mood heading into the conference is focused on hearing from EFF President Julius Malema about the party’s way forward. There’s a desire for clarity on how he plans to address the recent high-profile departures and whether the policies suggested by the former deputy president will be adopted. Overall, she noted that the mood remains sombre, with members seeking guidance, vision, and strong leadership from the president as they look to the future.

Tsehla suggested that, like most previous EFF conferences, there is already a sense of who will take up key positions. While the outcomes may seem premeditated, much like ANC or DA conferences, where surprises can still happen, the EFF has typically provided a clear indication of who is likely to secure leadership roles. The positions of President, Deputy President, and Secretary-General appear to be almost decided, with only a few “lesser” positions within the top 6 possibly facing contest.

“I think right now, because of the turbulence that the EFF has currently faced, yes, there have been a few names, but then there are also disgruntled members who are saying to give unknown people chances to get into those positions to show their ability. We cannot rely on the same people. Let people show themselves and prove themselves to the party so that they can take them to higher highs,” she added.

She also mentioned that Malema’s selections are likely influenced by his ability to unite the masses and effectively spread the EFF’s message. She believes this is a key factor he considers when putting forth names for leadership positions.

“I think we will get some sort of renewal within the top 6 or in the top in the executive of the EFF. It will be interesting to see how they improve themselves as they get into those positions,” she said.

She believes that to truly understand Malema, people need to recognise that he is an emotional leader. She thinks he allows his emotions to influence his politics, and while this might be unconventional, it’s not necessarily a negative trait.

“We get to see the man. We get to see the hurt. We get to see the joy. We get to see, you know, a man who can make mistakes. But, also, it comes across as very immature and very unprofessional, like when it comes to his politics. You know, it can be a catch-22 situation where we enjoy it because we see the man for who he is but also see it as a childish rant and immature behaviour,” she said.

She believes it is crucial for Malema to mature and step up as a leader, presenting a clear new vision if he has one to share. She feels it’s time for him to move past the sideswipes, backstabbing, and childish comments directed at those who have left the party, acknowledging that much of that behaviour was driven by hurt. However, she stresses that now is the time for Malema to adopt a more mature approach. While it’s uncertain if he will, she believes it is essential for him to demonstrate that the EFF is not a one-person party and that its success does not depend on any single individual.

Tsehla believes that a major topic of discussion at the conference will be the reflection on the EFF’s performance in the recent elections, particularly how they lost their third-party position. This will be a key point of focus. Another significant issue will be how the party plans to safeguard itself from further departures, especially given the potential influence of the ANC, and possibly the MK party, which shares similar policies and principles with the EFF. “If you look at the MK party and you look at the EFF, they have very similar understanding and very similar policies and principles. So you will find that people might still jump ship to the MK party,” she said.

Ultimately, however, she stated that the main discussion would centre around Malema’s vision and leadership moving forward, particularly in the wake of Floyd Shivambu’s departure.

She anticipates that there will be a reflection on the election results, with a focus on what the party needs to do moving forward. Additionally, she expects changes in the disciplinary processes for individuals who do not adhere to party protocols. While these changes may not be drastic, she believes they will be significant for the party’s future direction and internal operations.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and political analyst Nteboheleng Tsehla, here.