Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to revitalizing its support base following a decline in votes during the May 2024 elections. Speaking at the Gauteng Provincial General Assembly in Benoni, Dlamini acknowledged the losses, emphasizing that they extended beyond KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to reflect a broader national trend.
“It’s not just EFF KZN that lost. It’s EFF in South Africa that lost votes,” Dlamini said, addressing the party’s supporters. He reassured KZN members, stating, “EFF is here to stay, this is their organisation,” while unveiling plans to rebuild, defend, and ultimately regain lost ground. The Secretary-General emphasized that the party’s recovery would be methodical, driven by a comprehensive program from the EFF’s National Assembly. This roadmap includes a focus on the 2026 local elections and the 2029 national elections.
Malema’s Take on the Decline and Infiltration
EFF leader Julius Malema has also weighed in on the party’s electoral performance, particularly in KZN, where support dropped by two percentage points. Malema attributed part of the decline to infiltration within the party, which he said leadership had been warned about prior to the elections. He also acknowledged the impact of the rise of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, which drew votes away from the EFF in the province.
Malema addressed the recent departure of former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu, who had been tasked with strengthening the party in KZN. He revealed that Shivambu was later redeployed to the Eastern Cape in an effort to maintain party unity and protect his dignity amidst internal challenges. However, Malema suggested that the infiltration and subsequent exits were part of a broader pattern of betrayal within the party’s ranks, a challenge the leadership continues to confront.
Strategic Rebuilding Efforts
As the EFF moves forward, Dlamini’s remarks underscore the party’s determination to analyze its setbacks and strategically rebuild its presence. A renewed emphasis on leadership and grassroots engagement in KZN is central to this effort, as the province remains a critical battleground for future elections.
The EFF leadership has framed these challenges as opportunities for introspection and growth. By addressing internal divisions and recalibrating its strategies, the party aims to strengthen its appeal and secure a more robust foothold in the political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Dlamini’s message signals a renewed focus on unity and long-term planning, with the EFF determined to recover from its setbacks and reclaim its position as a significant political force in South Africa.
