A sub-regional people’s assembly in Sasolburg, Free State, was interrupted by a spectacular walkout, leading to the expulsion of 34 members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The party’s intolerance for what it calls “ill-discipline and factionalism” is highlighted by this judgement, which is one of the most decisive disciplinary procedures in recent months.
Saturday, party leaders acknowledged the expulsions and characterised the walkout as an effort to weaken the assembly’s power. After getting into an angry argument with local officials over who should be chosen as candidates and how the organisation should be run, witnesses said the group stormed out of the premises in protest. The conference was briefly halted as a result of the departure, which generated pandemonium. However, order was soon restored.
According to EFF spokespeople, the party considers these measures to be in stark contrast to its founding documents and fundamental ideals. Discipline that undermines the movement’s democratic processes will not be tolerated by the EFF. According to a senior official, several members have already resigned from the group because they refuse to follow orders.
Political commentators are divided over the expulsion decision. Some see it as the party stepping up discipline in preparation for the impending elections, while others see it as a reflection of increasing internal divisions that could undermine unity. The Sasolburg event has occurred during a delicate period, when the EFF is trying to strengthen its hold on local governments and establish itself as a formidable political opponent on a national scale.
Alleged favouritism and poor consultation, according to sources close to the expelled members, were the driving forces behind the walkout. “Dictating to people is something they’re sick of. An expelled member felt the expulsion was unfair, saying the walkout was an unplanned reaction to the leadership’s hubris. The EFF has made it plain that it would not consider the group’s appeals of its disciplinary actions, regardless of these assertions.
Analysts have pointed to party head Julius Malema’s previous statements as evidence of the EFF’s centralised command-and-control philosophy, in which the group has threatened to take action against those who threaten its structures. There will be no tolerance for dissent that questions the authority of assemblies, regardless of the number of people engaged; this is the message delivered to EFF chapters nationally by the expulsion of 34 members.