As EFF is set to elect new leaders, Malema says it's been an honour to lead the red berets
By the end of Saturday, the EFF is expected to have either a new or re-elected president, along with a newly-elected deputy president.
The Economic Freedom Fighters’ 3rd National People’s Assembly kicks off at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on 13 December 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG – Saturday is D-day for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s top officials, as a new leadership team is set to be elected during the party's elective conference.
This is the second day of the organisation’s three-day National People's Assembly (NPA), which is being held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Some 2,500 EFF members are in attendance.
An independent electoral committee has been appointed to oversee the voting and election of the new eff leadership structure.
The day is set to kick off with an organisational report from the party’s secretary general, Marshall Dlamini, who will provide an overview of the party's current status.
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HONOUR TO LEAD
With Saturday marking the last day for Julius Malema as the leader of the EFF, he said it had been an honour to lead the party for the past five years.
While some provincial structures of the EFF have indicated they will nominate Malema for another term, he said he would continue to serve the party with loyalty.
“We are grateful that you have elected us. We do not feel entitled to these positions but are humbled by the opportunity to serve. We are always available to serve in any assigned role. we are not the best among the best, but we are loyal to you.”
GROUND RULES
As EFF members prepare to elect the new set of leaders, the party has set some ground rules to ensure a fair voting process.
Those aspiring to serve in the top six leadership have been prohibited from raising or using funds for their election campaigns.
Additionally, they are not allowed to offer incentives to party members in exchange for support.
“The confirmed delegates that are confirmed to be voting delegates is 2, 243. The delegates that are present is 2, 026 - which accounts for 90% of delegates," said EFF secretary general Marshall Dlamini.
The nomination and voting of new leaders is set to begin on Saturday afternoon.
The party will also elect 40 candidates to serve in its central command team, which is the EFF’s highest decision-making body between conferences.
By the end of the day, the EFF is expected to have either a new or re-elected president, along with a newly elected deputy president, following Floyd Shivambu's departure.