EFF President Julius Malema has made it clear that factionalism, disunity, and disloyalty will not be tolerated ahead of the partys third National Peoples Assembly NPA, set to take place in Johannesburg next month. Malema's comments were made during the EFF Limpopo provincial assembly in Westernburg, near Polokwane, as the party prepares for crucial elections that will determine its new leadership.
The EFF, which was founded in 2013, is currently experiencing a turbulent period, with significant figures within the party, such as Floyd Shivambu and Dali Mpofu, leaving to join the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party. Recently, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, another prominent member, has also faced uncertainty regarding his future within the party, with reports suggesting he may be barred from contesting leadership positions at the upcoming NPA.
Malema emphasized the importance of unity and loyalty within the party, urging members to refrain from actions that could sow division. He specifically warned that any member who remains silent when their name is used to undermine the party's integrity would be disqualified from contesting leadership positions. "If you keep quiet when your name is used to divide and undermine the integrity of the organisation, your name shall be disqualified from contesting for any position in the organisation," Malema said. He also stressed that members must stand up and say "not in my name" when wrongdoings are attributed to them.
In his address, Malema also discouraged the use of social media platforms for vote lobbying or to discredit fellow members. He reiterated that loyalty to the party means remaining active and supportive, even if members are removed from their positions of responsibility. "Loyalty means members of the organisation will not join in the opposition and opponent forces who unfairly criticise the organisation and its leadership," he added.
On a more organizational level, Malema hinted at potential structural changes within the party, suggesting that the EFF might disband its Student Command and form a youth wing instead.
Limpopo EFF leader Lawrence Mapoulo also addressed the assembly, stating that the provincial structure has several proposals to present to the partys leadership, focusing on constitutional amendments and restructuring the partys internal framework. These proposals, according to Mapoulo, aim to strengthen the party and ensure it can make effective submissions at the NPA.
The EFFs National Peoples Assembly is scheduled to take place from December 13 to 15 at Nasrec, Johannesburg, where delegates will elect new leadership and discuss key issues affecting the party's future direction.
