As the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gears up for its third National People’s Assembly at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg from December 12 to 15, political analyst Goodenough Mashego has questioned the party’s ability to govern effectively. According to Mashego, the EFF must embrace a more robust pro-Pan-Africanist stance to remain relevant, as its current trajectory has failed to secure significant governing positions.
“The EFF will never win a municipality or lead one,” Mashego asserted. “At best, they’ll continue to secure councillor seats but not command a majority to govern anywhere.”
Mashego’s comments come as the party prepares to assess its performance over the past five years and strategize for the 2026 local government elections. The National People’s Assembly will focus on resolutions to boost the party’s electoral growth, with the Central Command Team set to oversee their implementation.
Deputy Presidency in Focus
The conference also brings questions about leadership, particularly the deputy president role, following Floyd Shivambu’s reported exit to the MK Party. However, EFF national spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys emphasized that nominations for all positions will occur during the assembly.
“We currently do not know who will be nominated,” Mathys said. “Nominations happen on the floor during the conference. Only then will we have clarity.”
Defections Denied
Responding to reports of resignations to the MK Party, Mathys denied the EFF is “bleeding” members, dismissing claims of a significant wave of defections.
“There is no wave of resignations from our organisation to the MK party,” she stated, reaffirming the EFF’s commitment to electoral growth and strategic planning.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the party’s ambitions, Mashego remains sceptical of its electoral prospects. His critique reflects broader questions about the EFF’s strategy, performance, and ability to translate its fiery rhetoric into tangible political power.
As the conference approaches, all eyes will be on the EFF’s resolutions and whether they can address the challenges that have hindered the party’s progress in the past decade. Will the assembly mark a turning point, or will the EFF continue to struggle to gain a governing foothold? The coming weeks may hold the answer.