The president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Student Command, Sihle Lonzi, has publicly appealed to Julius Malema to defend the party from attempts to merge it with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Speaking at the EFF’s third National People’s Assembly (NPA) on Friday at the Nasrec Expo Centre, Lonzi’s remarks came amid revelations of a proposed meeting involving former President Jacob Zuma, MK Party leader, and Dali Mpofu, the EFF’s former national chairperson, aimed at convincing Malema to dissolve the EFF and align its support with the MK Party.
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EFFSC President, Sihle Lonzi giving a message of support at the EFF 3rd NPA earlier today.
President Lonzi expressed the Student Command’s gratitude towards the EFF Leadership for not closing the EFF.#EFFNPA2024 pic.twitter.com/vhJVMCSZZ4
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 13, 2024
Lonzi commended Malema for resisting the proposal, emphasizing the grassroots origins of the EFF.
“How can the EFF be closed in the boardroom when it was never formed in a boardroom? The EFF was formed by the poor and workers at Uncle Tom’s Hall in Soweto. The middle class and the poorest of the poor said, ‘Go and form the EFF,’ not to save the ANC but to govern South Africa.”
He highlighted the potential disappointment of key constituencies, particularly the widows of the Marikana miners, if the party were dissolved.
“What will we say to the Marikana widows? They did not ask you to form the EFF so you can save the ANC. They wanted an alternative to the ANC.”
Lonzi further noted the achievements of the EFF, such as advocating for the insourcing of cleaners and security staff in various municipalities, and warned that these accomplishments would be undermined if the party were to align with the MK Party.
Reaffirming Unity Amid Challenges
EFF Gauteng Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga also addressed delegates, urging them to remain resolute despite recent defections of senior officials to the MK Party.
“This assembly allows us to recalibrate. We can correct mistakes here and guard against opportunistic and disloyal tendencies,” Dunga said.
He emphasized the importance of standing firm against betrayal, asserting,
“To let things slide for peace and friendship is liberalism.”
The assembly has also been marked by speculation surrounding Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, who has not been seen at the event. Reports suggest he may be facing disciplinary action for allegedly betraying the party, though the EFF has not confirmed his absence or the rumors.
Looking Ahead
As the EFF prepares to elect new leaders on Saturday to guide the party for the next five years, the focus remains on safeguarding its independence and legacy. With Malema’s steadfast leadership and strong grassroots support, the party aims to navigate internal and external challenges while maintaining its vision of being a transformative force in South African politics.