PHOTO: X @EFFSouthAfrica
EFF President Julius Malema delivered an emotionally charged political report at the EFF's National People's Assembly (NPA) at Nasrec, shedding tears as he concluded his speech.
Before formally opening the conference, Malema paid tribute to his late grandmother, Sarah Malema, affectionately known as ‘Koko Sarah’.
She raised him and according to Malema, remained a guiding force in his life until her passing in 2019.
"Fighters, on a personal note, I would like to thank my late grandmother, who remains my guardian angel," said Malema.
"Even in moments when I feel like giving up and surrendering due to attacks and difficulties, her spirit and fearlessness continue to inspire me. She is the one who named me her soldier, and as a result, I have become a soldier of the people."
Malema credited his grandmother's unwavering courage, for shaping his dedication to the movement and the struggle for economic freedom.
"I honour her memory and strive never to disappoint her, even as she watches over me from heaven. For this reason, I will never abandon this movement," he added.
The assembly occurs amidst significant leadership changes, with high-profile former members such as Floyd Shivambu, Dali Mpofu, Mzwanele Manyi, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane recently joining Jacob Zuma’s MK Party.
The political landscape has shifted dramatically, raising questions about the EFF’s strategy and internal unity.
Malema also extended gratitude to his immediate and extended family, acknowledging the sacrifices they endure due to his activism.
"They experience the same pressure as I do due to our actions as an organisation, yet they have stood behind me without fail. Their firm support is a testament to me that it is possible for black people to build strong families and place love at the centre of their lives," he said.
He thanked the delegates present, commending their faith and resilience.
"Since my youth, there has been an unrelenting effort to demoralise and discourage me, to tire me out, and force me to concede defeat to the establishment. However, the faith you have placed in me keeps me going. They will never succeed because I will never sacrifice my life for anyone other than the EFF and the revolution."
Malema vowed loyalty to the party, declaring: "The highest honour you can bestow upon me is to have my coffin wrapped in the red flag of the EFF."
The EFF leader took time to commend key party members for their dedication and contributions.
He praised Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini for his discipline and commitment: "Many have tried to cast doubt on his capabilities, but I want to say here today, unashamedly, that in our Secretary-General, we have a loyal and dependable soldier of the revolution."
Malema lauded Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe for her stewardship of the party's finances, emphasizing her ability to sustain operations despite limited resources.
"Under her leadership, the EFF has never gone a month without paying staff members - the backbone which makes this organisation what it is. She has always ensured there is no wasteful expenditure of the limited resources we have," he said.
Concluding his address, Malema invoked the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
