EFF Elects New Leadership and Expands Central Command Team
Johannesburg, South Africa — December 15, 2024 — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have elected their new leadership team, with Julius Malema once again nominated unopposed for the position of President. The announcement was made during the party’s congress, where several key positions were confirmed and a significant expansion to the party’s leadership structure was also adopted.
New Leadership for the EFF
In a moment of continuity, Julius Malema, the fiery leader and founder of the party, was nominated unopposed to retain his position as President. Malema, who has been a central figure in the party’s growth and influence, accepted the nomination, stating, “My name is Julius Sello Malema, from ward 13 in Polokwane, a member of the EFF. I do accept the nomination.”
Godrich Gardee, former Secretary-General of the EFF, also accepted his nomination for the position of Deputy President. The nomination was met with unanimous support, cementing Gardee’s place as Malema’s right-hand man.
The EFF’s Top 6 Leadership Team
In addition to Malema and Gardee, the following individuals were confirmed for key positions:
President – Julius Malema
Deputy President – Godrich Gardee
Secretary General – Marshall Dlamini
Deputy Secretary – Leigh-Ann Matthys
Chairperson – Nontando Nulutshungu
Treasurer General – Omphile Maotwe
These leaders will now take charge of the party as it continues to build on its platform of economic freedom and social justice, positioning itself as a powerful political force in South Africa.
Expansion of the Central Command Team
In a significant move, the party also announced the expansion of its Central Command Team (CCT) from 46 to 66 members. This reshuffle reflects the party’s growing influence and desire for greater representation across all levels of its leadership.
The constitutional amendments passed by delegates also addressed gender representation, ensuring that 50% of the new CCT members will be women. This means that a minimum of 33 women will be included, highlighting the party’s commitment to gender equality in its leadership.
“We are proud to have taken this step to ensure that women are at the heart of our leadership. This move not only strengthens our commitment to gender parity but also reflects our values of inclusivity and representation,” said Malema during his address to delegates.
The expansion of the CCT allows for greater diversity and broadens the base of leadership in the party, enabling it to engage with a wider constituency. With a larger leadership body, the EFF aims to improve its internal governance and strengthen its national influence as it heads into future elections.
With a new leadership team in place and a revamped Central Command Team, the EFF is positioning itself for the next chapter in its political journey. As the party seeks to solidify its place as a dominant force in South African politics, the leadership shake-up and structural changes show a commitment to growth and adaptation in an ever-changing political landscape.
The EFF’s expansion and focus on gender representation are likely to resonate with South Africa’s growing calls for more inclusive governance, and it remains to be seen how the party will leverage these changes in future political battles.
As Julius Malema once again takes the helm of the EFF, the question now is whether the party can translate its internal strength into electoral success and continue pushing its radical agenda for economic freedom and justice.
