The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has officially launched its three-day National People’s Assembly (NPA) at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Soweto, with the spotlight on electing new leadership and charting the party’s path forward. The assembly, which kicks off on Friday, will address several critical issues, including the upcoming 2026 local government elections, the impact of high-profile defections to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MKP) party, and the EFF’s underwhelming performance in the May 2024 general elections. With 2,500 delegates expected to attend, the conference is poised to be a defining moment for the party as it looks to regroup and strengthen its position on the national stage.
One of the most significant aspects of the conference will be the election of new party leaders, including the highly anticipated selection of a new deputy president following the departure of Floyd Shivambu, who left to join Jacob Zuma’s MKP. This leadership reshuffle comes at a crucial time for the EFF, as it seeks to regain momentum after its performance in the May elections fell short of expectations. The MKP, which emerged as a new political force in the country, overshadowed the EFF’s bid for greater voter support, further complicating the party’s strategy for growth. As delegates gather, much of the focus will be on whether the EFF can regain its former strength and appeal to a broader base of voters.
The NPA will also serve as a platform for introspection as the party looks to address some of the internal challenges it has faced in recent years. One of the key issues to be discussed is the party’s declining performance in KwaZulu-Natal, a province where the EFF’s electoral fortunes have been significantly affected by the rise of Zuma’s MKP. Marshall Dlamini, the outgoing secretary-general, acknowledged the party’s dissatisfaction with its results in KZN, admitting that the province’s underperformance has had a ripple effect on the party’s national support. Dlamini emphasized that the EFF leadership is determined to rebuild its influence in KZN, where it has lost ground to the new political competitor.
As part of the agenda, Julius Malema, the EFF president, will deliver a keynote address on Friday morning, setting the tone for the conference and outlining the strategic priorities for the party’s future. His speech will focus on the challenges facing the EFF and the opportunities for revitalization, with an emphasis on addressing voter dissatisfaction and restoring confidence in the party. Later in the conference, Dlamini will present the organisational report, which will provide a comprehensive review of the party’s performance over the past five years, including an honest assessment of both its achievements and shortcomings.
Controversy surrounding the absence of former spokesperson and Member of Parliament, Mbuyiseni Nlozi, has already raised eyebrows among delegates and political observers. It remains unclear whether Nlozi has been barred from attending the assembly, with speculation mounting about internal tensions within the party. The party’s decision to hold a portion of the discussions behind closed doors has only fueled further questions about its internal dynamics. Despite this, Dlamini remains focused on the task at hand, reaffirming that the EFF is determined to use the conference to reclaim lost ground, particularly in provinces like KZN, where the party’s influence has been eclipsed by rival political forces.
In his closing remarks, Dlamini expressed confidence in the EFF’s future, despite the setbacks it has encountered. “We are not happy with our performance in KZN,” he stated, but reassured delegates that the party still maintains a solid voter base across the country. Over the last decade, the EFF has positioned itself as a force to be reckoned with in South African politics, and while it faces challenges, its leadership believes the party’s foundation remains strong. As the conference continues, all eyes will be on how the EFF plans to adapt to the shifting political landscape, aiming to solidify its role in the national political conversation.
