Key Takeaways
- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated its 13th anniversary in Thohoyandou by launching its election manifesto, with leader Julius Malema declaring victory inevitable for the party.
- Malema stressed that meaningful change in South African municipalities can only come through the EFF’s promise of quality jobs that include medical aid, pension funds, and leave days.
- The manifesto outlines six core focus areas: service delivery, municipal accountability, employment & economic opportunities, infrastructure & dignity, gender equality & safety, and a youth‑centred approach.
- Malema highlighted the EFF’s record in coalition governments, citing improvements in Ekurhuleni’s sanitation and finances and the transformation of Tshwane into a notably cleaner city.
- He framed the upcoming election as a “crunch time” choice between victory and decline, warning that the continued collapse of local government threatens basic services and public safety.
Service Delivery Focus
Julius Malema opened the manifesto launch by reiterating the EFF’s commitment to tangible service delivery, especially for the youth of Vhembe and Limpopo. He declared that the party wants “proper food, water, and reliable electricity—not just electricity”—emphasising that basic necessities must be consistently available to all residents. Malema argued that without these fundamentals, any talk of freedom or prosperity remains hollow. He urged the audience to hold the party accountable for ensuring that water pipes are not burst, electricity supply is stable, and food security programmes reach vulnerable households. By placing service delivery at the forefront, the EFF aims to distinguish itself from rival parties that, in Malema’s view, rely on tender‑based contracts that often benefit elites rather than ordinary citizens.
Municipal Accountability
Addressing the dire state of many South African municipalities, Malema bluntly stated that “our municipalities have collapsed,” a situation he linked directly to corruption and the theft of resources from the poor. He called for a radical overhaul of local government financing, demanding increased funding streams that would enable municipalities to serve residents directly rather than siphoning money through opaque tender processes. Malema warned that without strict accountability measures—such as transparent audits, citizen oversight committees, and swift disciplinary actions against corrupt officials—the cycle of mismanagement would persist, undermining any progress made in service delivery. He positioned the EFF as the only political force willing to confront these systemic failures head‑on.
Employment & Economic Opportunities
A central pillar of the manifesto is the creation of quality jobs that provide more than a monthly wage. Malema asserted that “there is no one who will liberate Polokwane and give the children of Polokwane quality jobs that are paying with medical aid and pension fund except the EFF.” The party pledges to prioritize local hiring, ensuring that employment opportunities arise within the communities where people live, thereby reducing migrant labour pressures. In addition to direct employment, the EFF promises to support small businesses through grants, mentorship programmes, and streamlined regulatory processes, arguing that a thriving informal sector is essential for broad‑based economic growth. Land allocation for both settlement and productive use is also highlighted as a means to empower entrepreneurs and foster sustainable livelihoods.
Infrastructure & Dignity
Malema linked infrastructure improvements directly to human dignity, insisting that “there can be no real freedom without a functioning municipality.” The EFF’s plan includes constructing houses equipped with proper toilets, repairing potholed roads, and establishing 24‑hour clinics to guarantee access to healthcare at any time. Sanitation and waste collection services are slated for upgrades to prevent disease‑ated for expansion, with the goal of eliminating open dumping and ensuring regular refuse removal in both urban and rural areas. By addressing these basic infrastructural deficits, the party believes it can restore residents’ sense of safety, health, and pride in their communities.
Gender Equality & Safety
Gender equity and personal safety feature prominently in the EFF’s manifesto. Malema declared that the party will enforce policies guaranteeing equal employment opportunities for men and women, aiming to dismantle wage gaps and occupational segregation that persist in many sectors. Moreover, he vowed to combat crime and sexual exploitation perpetrated by officials, stating that “our children must go and study even at night without any fear of being raped by rascals on the way to the library.” This commitment includes increased policing in vulnerable areas, community‑based safety programmes, and strict legal repercussions for perpetrators of gender‑based violence. By intertwining economic empowerment with protective measures, the EFF seeks to create an environment where women and girls can thrive without fear.
Youth‑Centred Approach
Recognising that youth bear the brunt of unemployment and crime, Malema placed young people at the forefront of all EFF initiatives. He proclaimed, “We want the youth of Vhembe, the youths of Limpopo to succeed in their own right. And therefore the only organisation that will make the youth succeed is the EFF.” The manifesto outlines targeted interventions such as skills‑training programmes linked to emerging industries, entrepreneurship hubs that provide seed funding, and mentorship networks connecting youth with experienced professionals. Additionally, the EFF pledges to expand access to sports, arts, and recreational facilities as preventive measures against crime. By investing in the potential of the younger generation, the party aims to break the intergenerational cycles of poverty and violence.
Coalition Government Successes
Malema pointed to the EFF’s participation in coalition governments as evidence of its governing capability. He highlighted achievements in Ekurhuleni, where the party claimed to have secured dignified sanitation and water services while stabilising the municipality’s finances. Malema recalled that the removal of the EFF’s MMC (Member of the Mayoral Committee) led to a financial collapse, underscoring the party’s role in fiscal stewardship. In Tshwane, he asserted that the EFF’s efforts transformed the city into a clean environment comparable to London, crediting the party’s leadership for implementing effective waste‑management and street‑cleaning programmes. These examples, according to Malema, demonstrate that the EFF can deliver tangible improvements when entrusted with executive power.
A Crunch Time for South Africa
Concluding his address, Malema warned that South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture, describing the upcoming election as a choice between “victory or death.” He argued that the continued decay of municipalities—manifested in broken pipes, deteriorating port walls, unreliable refuse collection, and intermittent water and electricity supplies—poses an existential threat to the nation’s social fabric. Without decisive action, he warned, basic services will erode further, exacerbating inequality and unrest. Malema urged voters to view the ballot not merely as a routine exercise but as a decisive moment to halt the decline and usher in a government committed to justice, equity, and functional governance. The EFF, he concluded, stands ready to lead that transformation.