The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) top leadership at the party’s 10th anniversary rally. [Picture: via TimesLIVE]
The iconic FNB Stadium in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg, was a sea of red as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated their anniversary over the weekend. South Africa’s third-largest political party turned 10 on Saturday.
Addressing a crowd that filled the stadium to capacity, leader of the EFF, Julius Malema slammed the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for its shortcomings in government. He presented his party as an alternative to the status quo.
“They have made us fools,” he told cheering supporters dressed in EFF regalia. “They gave us stage 6 and stage 8. We were living in darkness. The jobs were threatened, the quality of life undermined. That’s mediocrity. We don’t want load shedding in South Africa.”
Without explaining how, he promised voters houses, water and electricity. He continued, “When we take over all informal settlements, we’ll give them water, electricity, we’ll build proper houses for our people all over Gauteng, all over South Africa”.
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Among opposition parties attending the birthday rally were the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and African Transformation Movement (ATM).
“The arrival of the Economic Freedom Fighters onto the political landscape of South Africa has enhanced the checks and balances of our system,” said UDM leader Bantu Holomisa.
Meanwhile, at a birthday dinner in the build-up to the celebrations last week, Malema praised controversial tobacco trader Adriano Mazzotti. He said the party was proud of its association with the businessman, but was not interested in his dealings.
“We are very proud of Adriano Mazzotti and are not ashamed to associate with him. We don’t know his business because he’s not our business partner.”
