Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
13 December 2024 | 12:30 CAT
2 min read

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are preparing for their third National People’s Assembly (NPA) at the Nasrec Expo Centre, which began on Friday. The conference, expected to cost the party a significant amount, will host around 2,500 delegates. EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe confirmed the expenses but declined to reveal the exact cost before presenting it to delegates at the conference. She mentioned that the costs include transportation, accommodation, food for delegates, and services for over 3,000 people.

Maotwe also responded to criticism of the party’s financial transparency, arguing that the EFF does not steal from its own funds and that it uses fair processes when choosing suppliers. She noted that, unlike other parties, the EFF avoids middlemen and directly contracts service providers to maintain cost transparency.

Speaking to Radio Islam, political analyst Belinda Johnson stated that this is a crucial moment for the EFF to potentially reinvent itself, but the party’s success will depend on the message it delivers. She noted that there is significant internal dissent within the party at the moment.

The conference will address critical issues such as the election of leadership, the party’s structure, and the potential reformation of the Student Command. The EFF has seen a decline in support following the 2024 elections, losing its position as the third-largest party to the MKP (uMkhonto weSizwe Party). Despite this, the conference is expected to feature heated debates on the party’s future and its approach to rival factions.

When asked about the MK party’s well wishes to the EFF for its conference, despite Julius Malema previously calling the MK party its biggest enemy, Johnson expressed doubt that this gesture would soften Malema’s stance. “I think Malema probably won’t read that as a congratulations message so much. He’s in a bit of an embattled state at the moment. The MK party at the moment does look like it’s going to be the party really to challenge the EFF. It’s draining not only to supporters but also to top leadership,” she said.

Highlights on the EFF’s conference agenda

Johnson pointed out two key issues: First, the party has been without a deputy president, and the contestation for this position will be a significant point of discussion. Second, the internal dissent that is likely to emerge, particularly regarding the removal of many branch members last year for failing to bring enough supporters to the conference. Additionally, concerns about the lack of democratic decision-making within the party’s internal structures are expected to be raised.

When asked about the potential candidates for the EFF’s deputy president, Johnson highlighted Godrich Gardee as a strong contender. She explained that Gardee is one of Malema’s most loyal members and has demonstrated significant capacity, making him her top choice for the position.

Johnson suggested that if Mbuyiseni Ndlozi were nominated from the floor for the deputy president position, it could lead to significant chaos. “I also do understand there might have been preemptive measures taken so that the branch members who were very supportive of him have been replaced ahead of this upcoming conference. So there might have been a bit of strategising beforehand to make sure try and ensure that doesn’t happen,” she said.

The outcome of the EFF’s third National People’s Assembly remains to be seen, with key decisions around leadership and internal party dynamics set to unfold. The next few days will reveal how the EFF positions itself for the future.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and political analyst Belinda Johnson, here.