Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
31 July 2023 | 09:42am SAST
2 min read

Picture: The Citizen  

Johannesburg, South Africa – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated their first decade as a political party with an anniversary rally at the First National Bank Stadium. The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with thousands of enthusiastic supporters donning their signature red berets. However, while the party’s growth and mobilisation capacity were evident, political analysts believe the EFF faces a critical challenge in translating their massive support into actual votes during elections.

The EFF, founded by former ANC Youth League President Julius Malema a decade ago after his expulsion from the ANC, has rapidly ascended the political ladder, becoming the third-largest party in South Africa after the ANC and the DA. Their radical economic creed, calling for expropriation without compensation, free education, and the nationalisation of key industries, has struck a chord with many, particularly the youth.

In an interview on Radio Islam International, Dr. Sizo Nkala, a political analyst, remarked on the EFF’s impressive organisational capacity, successfully filling the massive stadium and even utilising overflow areas to accommodate the unprecedented number of attendees, exceeding 94,000. This growth has been mirrored in electoral support, with their parliamentary representation rising from 6% in 2014 to over 10% in 2019. Similarly, their local election support increased from 8% in 2016 to 10% in 2021.

Despite their remarkable showing at rallies and a formidable online presence with millions of social media followers, the EFF faces a hurdle in translating this enthusiasm into actual voting numbers. The 2019 voter turnout was just 49% of the eligible population, a reflection of the challenge in motivating supporters to cast their ballots on election day. Voting may not offer the same excitement and engagement as attending rallies, especially for younger voters, posing a significant concern for the party’s future electoral success.

Addressing the concern of EFF’s survivability beyond Julius Malema’s leadership, experts highlighted the party’s strong attachment to its charismatic leader. As the founding figure and outspoken personality at the helm, Malema has shaped the EFF’s identity and politics. Finding a suitable successor who can command the same influence and mobilise support as Malema presents a significant challenge. The lack of leadership challenges within the party’s top echelons further highlights this dependence on Malema’s persona.

While the EFF envisions ruling the country for ten years, analysts deem this ambition improbable. Despite their growth and popularity, the EFF is unlikely to secure enough support to lead the government independently. Instead, the party might play a role as a kingmaker in a coalition government, should the ANC’s support dip below the majority mark.

The EFF now faces the challenge of transforming its massive rally attendance and social media presence into actual voting support. The EFF’s future is intrinsically linked to its ability to adapt, diversify, and cultivate a broader appeal, beyond the charismatic leadership of Julius Malema.

Listen to the full interview with Muallima Annisa Essack on Sabaahul Muslim here.