At the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) 3rd National People's Assembly, Julius Malema, the undisputed leader of the red berets, firmly reiterated his party's commitment to holding President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable for the controversial Phala Phala farm scandal.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd on Friday during the second day of the conference, Malema set the tone for the party's forthcoming elections, where he is set to secure his third term as leader.
Since the unsettling revelations of millions of dollars concealed at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm, the EFF has been relentless in its pursuit of accountability.
"As a revolutionary, and a responsible leader of the people of South Africa, we engage in the following activities. After the revelation of millions of dollars stuffed at Phala Phala farm, we sent questions to Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament requesting him to explain the source of the money and to disclose other millions hidden in his property," Malema stated, underscoring the party’s unwavering resolve. "For as long as the EFF exists, Phala Phala will not die."
Malema's speech was punctuated by sharp critiques aimed at political adversaries, particularly the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which has recently made headlines by attracting several former EFF leaders into its ranks, including esteemed figures like former deputy president Floyd Shivambu and advocate Dali Mpofu.
"You delegates must ask yourself where this black consciousness and black unity was when the Marikana workers were killed," he challenged the party, accusing other leaders of opportunism and a lack of genuine commitment to black unity.
In a clear snub to the MKP, the EFF announced it would not attend the anticipated one-year celebrations of the rival party at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday. This decision reflects not only political rivalry but signals a staunch commitment to the EFF's own ideals.
Malema also shared plans to refresh the party's appeal to younger demographics by restructuring its organisational framework.
The proposal to reconfigure the existing EFF Student Command into an EFF Youth Command aims to engage a broader spectrum of South African youth beyond just students.
"We have proposed that we establish an EFF Youth Command and do away with the EFF Student Command so that we may appeal to the youth of South Africa," he said.
Additionally, the EFF is gearing up to stage a national shutdown aimed at protesting the relentless increase in living costs impacting South Africans from all walks of life, indicating a proactive approach in tackling pressing socio-economic issues.
The party is currently on the cusp of significant leadership changes, particularly after the departure of Floyd Shivambu to the MKP, leaving the deputy presidency vacant.
Speculation abounds regarding potential successors, with names like Marshall Dlamini, Godrich Gardee, and Viyani Pambo being floated as frontrunners to ascend to the role.
Through fervent rhetoric and strategic positioning, Malema is not only poised to reaffirm his leadership within the EFF but also to ignite a broader conversation about accountability, unity, and social justice in South Africa.
Saturday Star
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