As the EFF gathers at Nasrec, questions swirl around the No. 2 position while Malema secures his spot at the helm.
Julius Malema: A Decade of Leadership
Julius Malema, the charismatic leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is set to clinch his third consecutive term as party president unopposed. This milestone comes as the EFF holds its National People’s Assembly this weekend at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Since the party’s inception in 2013, Malema has been its face and voice, known for his firebrand approach and unflinching stance on critical national issues. However, this year’s conference marks a significant change: Malema’s long-time ally, Floyd Shivambu, is no longer by his side, having defected to the newly formed MK Party.
Speculation Over the No. 2 Position
The absence of Shivambu has left a void in the party’s second-in-command position, stirring speculation and internal debates. Insiders suggest that Malema has earmarked Godrich Gardee, the former secretary-general, for the role.
However, whispers within the party indicate dissatisfaction among some delegates, who feel Gardee is being imposed by the leadership. This has led to calls for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, the former spokesperson affectionately known as the “People’s Bae,” to contest the position.
Ndlozi’s conspicuous absence from the conference venue has fueled rumours that he may have been barred from attending. Should he be nominated, reports suggest he might need to submit a letter of acceptance remotely.
Voting Dynamics and Representation
The EFF expects 2,651 voting delegates at the assembly, with a noteworthy 66% being women. However, representation from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is significantly reduced, with only 75 voting delegates from the province due to poor performance in the May 2024 elections.
Marshall Dlamini, the party’s secretary-general, explained the decision:
“Branches that qualify as voting delegates are those that achieved electoral support of 10% and above in the 2024 provincial and national elections. This is part of our effort to reorganize and strengthen our structures,” he said.
KZN’s weak showing in the polls has impacted the party’s national standing, prompting leadership to explore strategies to regain support, particularly in regions where the MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, is gaining traction.
EFF’s Solid Base Amid Challenges
Despite challenges in KZN, the EFF remains optimistic about its national performance. “Everywhere else in the country, we’ve retained our votes and are happy with the base we’ve built over 10 years,” said Dlamini.
As the conference unfolds, the focus will not only be on cementing Malema’s leadership but also on addressing internal dynamics and regaining lost ground in key regions.
Also read: EFF Declines MK Party Anniversary Rally Invitation
