PHOTO: X @EFFSouthAfrica
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) began its three-day elective conference at Nasrec on Friday, where 2 500 delegates from across the country are set to elect new leadership, review the party's performance, and chart its course for the next five years.
Delegates arrived on Thursday and registered at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus.
The official programme will commence with the outgoing president, Julius Malema, delivering the political report.
This will be a reflection on the party’s progress over the past five years.
Speaking to the media on Thursday the party’s secretary-general, Marshall Dlamini expressed satisfaction with the smooth arrival of delegates.
"All delegates made up of branch delegates, CCT, PCT, and RCT members - 66% of whom are female - have arrived safely. Not a single bus remains on the road, and every delegate is ready to participate.
This is a testament to the discipline, commitment and organisational orderliness that defines the EFF,” he said.
LEADERSHIP SHAKE-UPS AND ABSENCES
The conference takes place against the backdrop of significant leadership changes, with several high-profile former members, including former deputy president Floyd Shivambu, national chairperson Dali Mpofu, Mzwanele Manyi, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, having joined Jacob Zuma’s MK Party in recent months.
Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that former spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been barred from attending the conference.
However, EFF leadership has declined to comment on the matter.
AGENDAS AND ELECTIONS
Following the political and organisational reports, delegates will adopt the assembly's rules, guidelines and credentials, ensuring the conference proceeds with legitimacy.
On Saturday, Dlamini will present a detailed organisational report, followed by Treasurer General Omphile Maotwe's financial report, which will provide insight into the party’s financial health and sustainability.
The highlight of the conference will be the election of the top six leaders and additional members of the Central Command Team, conducted under the supervision of the Institute of Elections Management South Africa (IEMSA).
Dlamini emphasised the democratic and transparent nature of the process.
Parallel to the elections, 13 commissions will convene to deliberate about key documents.
“Proposals and resolutions arising from these engagements will solidify EFF policy and action,” explained Dlamini.
The outcomes of the assembly will define the party's future trajectory, amid the political challenges it faces.
