This weekend, Julius Malema is expected to be re-elected as president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), marking a significant milestone as he goes unopposed for the third consecutive term since the party’s inception in 2013. Known for his dynamic oratory and occasionally controversial viewpoints, Malema’s leadership has been a defining feature of the party, steering it through various political climates in South Africa. However, this year’s conference carries with it a poignant absence: his longtime ally, Floyd Shivambu, who has recently defected to the nascent MK party.
This departure leaves the second-in-command position within the EFF open for contention, spurring speculation about potential contenders. Godrich Gardee, the former secretary-general, is widely regarded as Malema’s preferred successor for the role. Yet, as the party convenes at the Nasrec Expo Centre, the question of Gardee’s nomination—whether he will face competition or be imposed—hangs in the air, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Amidst this speculation, there are whispers of support for Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, formerly the party’s spokesperson, to run for the second-in-command position. Known affectionately as the “People’s Bae,” Ndlozi commands a dedicated following, yet his notable absence from the accreditation centre in Soweto and the conference venue has raised eyebrows. His involvement in past events has showcased his proactive nature—often engaging with delegates and ensuring organisational smoothness. However, reports are circulating that he may have been barred from attending this conference. Should he emerge as a candidate, he may have to formally accept the nomination via a letter, further complicating the dynamics as tensions rise among the party’s ranks.
The EFF anticipates an assembly of around 2,651 voting delegates, with notably 66% being women. However, a striking statistic emerges as the delegates from KwaZulu-Natal dwindle to just 75, a stark contrast to previous assemblies. This reduction stems from the party’s assessment following disappointing performance in the May 29 elections, where KZN branch members failed to achieve the 10% electoral support threshold required to retain voting rights at the conference. Marshall Dlamini, the party’s secretary-general, expressed the reasoning behind this decision, indicating a commitment to reorganising the party’s structure and bolstering accountability within branches.
Dlamini voiced dissatisfaction over the party’s standing in KZN, particularly in light of the newly established MK Party led by Jacob Zuma, which has gained traction among voters. “We are not happy with our performance in KZN, and we’ve said it,” Dlamini remarked, underscoring the urgency for the EFF to formulate strategies to regain lost influence in the region as they look towards the future. “Everywhere else in the country we’ve retained our votes and we are happy with the base because in the 10 years we’ve been a solid base that cannot be shaken easily,” he added.
As the conference unfolds, the interplay of leadership ambitions, party unity, and electoral strategy may very well set the tone for the EFF’s future, paving the path for the next chapter in South African politics.