EFF announces election task force ahead of municipal polls

EFF leader Julius Malema says the party will not be pressured into prematurely announcing its mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections.

Malema addressed a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, mainly focusing on the party’s preparations for the polls.

The party has converted all its leadership structures into what it calls an election task force to boost its campaign ahead of time.

Malema adds that the party will also not rely on individual leaders to attract votes.

"We must ensure that we are registered to vote and it is for this reason that the EFF prioritised engagements with communities and the development of a people-centred manifesto over and above the politics of personalities and individualism through mayoral candidates."

Malema also announced plans to recall its MMC for Public Safety in Johannesburg, Mgcini Tshwaku, from the city council. 

Tshwaku will be redeployed to the Gauteng legislature, which Malema said will give him more room to focus on election preparations. 

With Tshwaku being the EFF head of elections, Malema said remaining an MMC would affect his campaign work ahead of the municipal polls. 

Malema said the party’s provincial secretary Moshe Koma, will replace Tshwaku as the MMC for public safety.

"He’s the head of elections. We can’t confine to a municipality. He can’t be the head of elections and be in a local municipality. He has to be all over South Africa. This is an EFF decision and it will be communicated to the ANC."