The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Northern Cape are gearing up for a significant protest march to the office of Premier Zamani Saul on Tuesday, intensifying the dialogue surrounding the controversial town of Orania. This predominantly Afrikaans settlement, which houses approximately 3,000 residents, has become a focal point of contention due to its perceived ties to apartheid-era ideologies.
The EFF, a party known for its radical stance on economic issues and social justice, has voiced strong opposition to Orania, arguing that its continued existence is a stark reminder of South Africa’s past and poses a threat to national unity. Phoenix Mashele, the EFF’s public representative in the Sol Plaatje municipality, confirmed the march will proceed as planned, asserting, “We can never be party to a government that is allowing segregation within our province. We are going to advocate for the total eradication of Orania in our province.”
The party’s call to action follows an unsuccessful engagement last week with representatives from Orania and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), a political party with historical ties to Afrikaner nationalism. The EFF has urged a comprehensive review of Orania’s status, demanding an evaluation consistent with the South African Constitution and current national legislation.
According to the EFF, the existence of Orania undermines the constitutional principles of equality, inclusivity, and non-racialism, which are foundational to South Africa’s democracy. Shadrack Tlhaole, the EFF provincial chairperson, highlighted the urgency of the situation, calling for both Black and white South Africans to engage in the discussion. “Orania should be abolished, and Orania is not what we should appreciate and accept as the EFF,” he stated emphatically.
As tensions rise in the debate surrounding racial segregation and settlement policies, other groups, such as the MK Party, are also voicing concerns about similar settlements. Their recent visit to Kleinfontein, a whites-only settlement in Pretoria, echoes the EFF’s sentiments, indicating that this is not a singular issue but part of a broader, more complex socio-political challenge that South Africa continues to grapple with.
The protest march to the Premier’s office signifies more than a local grievance; it represents an ongoing battle against the remnants of a divided past. As the EFF mobilises its supporters, the nation will be watching closely to see how this event unfolds and what implications it may have for the future of communities like Orania.