The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated its 12th anniversary on Saturday, 26 July 2025. This marked a significant milestone for a party that has profoundly influenced South Africa’s political landscape.
Commemorating the occasion with a “Festival of the Poor” rally in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, the party’s leadership gathered to reflect on a journey defined by radical policy proposals, parliamentary disruption and notable legislative victories. The event underscores the party’s core identity, which, according to political analyst Dr Sam Khoma, continues to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate.
Founded on 26 July 2013 by its president, Julius Malema, and other former members of the ANC Youth League, the EFF has established itself as a formidable force. Despite recent electoral setbacks in the 2024 national elections and the departure of senior figures, the party has maintained organisational stability.
Dr Khoma notes that, unlike other major parties, the EFF has not yet faced a significant breakaway faction, suggesting its “centre is still holding.” The party’s journey has been one of democratic evolution, shaping national discourse through persistent advocacy.
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A dozen years of political impact
Since its formation, the EFF has championed several key policy initiatives that have entered mainstream political debate. One of its most significant achievements was the 2016 Constitutional Court judgment concerning former President Jacob Zuma and the Nkandla upgrades.
Dr Khoma stated, “if it were not for the EFF till today the powers and more importantly the remedial action of the public protector will still not be regarded as binding.” This ruling affirmed that the Public Protector’s remedial actions are legally binding, a landmark moment for constitutional accountability in South Africa.
The party has also been at the forefront of campaigns for the insourcing of workers, achieving success in municipalities like the City of Johannesburg. Its advocacy for compulsory early childhood development also found “expression in the formal government policy,” according to Dr Khoma.
However, the EFF’s most defining policy remains its call for the expropriation of land without compensation. This has led to a bill currently before Parliament, although its wording — “expropriation of land with nil compensation” — has diluted the EFF’s original, more radical stance.
Dr Khoma highlights this semantic debate, noting the EFF may challenge the bill in court if passed in its current form. This long-standing campaign reflects the party’s focus on what it terms economic apartheid and its appeal to “the landless people and also to a large extent the working class.”
While celebrating its past, the EFF’s leadership used the anniversary to project its future ambitions. Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo stated: “We must confront the neoliberal policies that continue to paralyse our economy, privatise public services, and surrender decision-making to credit rating agencies, international financial institutions, and unelected consultants.”
The party’s role in governance has also expanded, with EFF Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) holding key portfolios in major metros. This transition from protest to participation highlights a complex period of democratic evolution for the party.
Despite its influence, the party faces a challenging political environment. Dr Khoma points out that the EFF’s growth trajectory was “disrupted with the outcome of the 2024 national elections because of the emergence of new political parties.” The potential formation of a new party by former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu could further fragment its support base.
Image: Thousands of EFF supporters, mostly from Cape Town, turned up for the party’s 12th birthday celebrations in Khayelitsha. [Storm SimpsonNews24]
