Professor Ntsikeleko Breakfast, a political analyst at Nelson Mandela University, has raised concerns over the leadership style of Julius Malema, the re-elected president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Following Malema’s third consecutive election as leader at the party’s National People’s Assembly (NPA) on December 14, Breakfast argued that Malema’s approach to leadership is one that seeks to be “worshipped like God,” which, in his view, could undermine the party’s internal democracy and long-term stability. The political analyst questioned the fairness of the party’s election processes, particularly the way Malema appears to “anoint” those who rise to power, leaving little room for democratic challenge.
Malema’s re-election was accompanied by a series of other unopposed appointments, including Godrich Gardee as deputy president and Marshall Dlamini as secretary general. The absence of significant challengers for these high-ranking positions, particularly in the wake of Floyd Shivambu’s defection to Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, raised eyebrows. For Breakfast, the predictability of these outcomes was not surprising. He pointed out that the party’s leadership was effectively consolidated under Malema’s influence, with only those hand-picked by him securing top spots. This, according to Breakfast, reflects a partial democracy within the party, where internal processes do not allow for genuine competition or open debate.
Breakfast also expressed skepticism about the candidacy of Esther Molepo, a delegate from Mpumalanga who had self-nominated for the deputy president position. Molepo’s stated rationale for her candidacy—advocating for gender equality—was met with suspicion by Breakfast, who questioned whether her nomination was a genuine attempt to challenge the leadership or if it was simply a strategy to create confusion within the party. He suggested that Malema might have orchestrated this move to appear inclusive without fostering meaningful debate or competition, casting doubt on the sincerity of the process.
In addition to the internal dynamics, Breakfast pointed to two significant external threats to the EFF’s stability. First, he highlighted the party’s struggle with internal divisions, which he believes are exacerbated by Malema’s autocratic leadership style. When democratic practices are suppressed, as in this case, the risk is that disgruntled members may leave, further fragmenting the party. Breakfast suggested that these divisions could hinder the party’s growth and its ability to challenge for greater political influence. The second threat, according to Breakfast, comes from the MK party, which he believes has successfully supplanted the EFF in certain areas, posing a direct challenge to Malema’s leadership and the party’s ideological space.
Despite these challenges, Breakfast proposed a possible solution for the EFF to address its leadership and internal issues: the creation of a ‘Council of the Wise.’ This advisory body, made up of experienced and respected figures, could help provide guidance to Malema and other top officials. Such a council, he argued, would allow for more checks and balances within the party, ensuring that its leadership is held accountable and that decisions are made with greater consideration for the party’s long-term health and democratic integrity. Without such mechanisms in place, Breakfast warned, Malema’s current leadership style could continue to stifle accountability and make the EFF more vulnerable to external challenges.
Ultimately, Breakfast’s critique of Malema’s leadership style is rooted in a concern for the sustainability and growth of the EFF. He believes that Malema’s approach, which he likens to a near-absolute control of the party, could prevent the EFF from evolving into a truly democratic political force. By creating a more inclusive, accountable structure within the party, the EFF could better position itself to face competition from other emerging political forces, such as the MK party, and continue its push for greater influence in South Africa’s political landscape. Without these reforms, however, Breakfast warns, the party may risk further fragmentation and irrelevance in the future.
