he occasion of the 26th build one of the most July remains one of the successful examples of a T most iconic dates in the Marxist-Leninist government, history of liberation struggle in ran with a socialist and people’s the world. Fidel Castro began mandate. what would become the It was on this very day, that on victorious struggle against US the shores of Africa, a new imperialism, and went on to revolution was born in 2013, led

The 100th Anniversary of the EFF ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE EFF, BECOMING a HOW THE EFF CHANGED 5 Communist Party of China EFF SECRETARY GENERAL 12 People’s government THE FINANCIAL SECTOR 9 15

EIGHT YEARS OF HOW EFF CHANGED THE THE GREATEST GIFT TO 18 INTERNATIONALISM 21 LAND DISCOURSE 24 HIGHER EDUCATION IN SA

2

by a youthful and vibrant revolutionary struggle. Having by the State Defence, Police movement known as the observed that there has been no and other Agencies. Economic Freedom Fighters. fundamental change in power This organization, would be the relations since 1994, it was It is these cardinal pillars, that first genuine attempt in a resolved that a grass-roots have allowed the EFF to fractured and unequal post- organization that will contest continue to shape and guide Apartheid South Africa, to political power to reshape the national politics for 8-years and establish itself with a mandate post-colonial South African continuing securing critical of national presence and situation must be formed. victories outside of the corridors economic emancipation. of governance. The basic blueprint of this As a nation haunted by a dark organization would be 7 non- As a movement inspired by the past of colonialism and negotiable Cardinal pillars, determined Communist Party of Apartheid, South Africa was in namely; China (CPC), which recently desperate need of an alternative observed its centenary, the EFF to the dominant racist, white 1. Expropriation of South Africa’s has become a dominant force in power structure, which survives land without compensation the South African body politic. on the poverty of black people in for equal redistribution. We have achieved critical South Africa. This alternative victories that have shown that was tasked with responding to 2. Nationalisation of mines, the EFF has the necessary the failures of the former banks, and other strategic capacity to govern. liberation movement, while sectors of the economy. confronting the white The EFF has achieved verifiable supremacy that has stolen the 3. Building State and victories which represent an land and monopolized the government capacity, which organization that is on a correct wealth of Africans. will lead to abolishment of path of liberating our people. Tenders. In Uncle Tom’s Hall in Soweto, The mandate of accountable activists from the lengths and 4. Free quality education, governance has been achieved, breadths of the country, healthcare, houses, and through holding the former gathered on 26 July 2013, on the sanitation. President Jacob Zuma question of What Is To Be Done? accountable for non-security From this historic moment, a 5. Massive protected industrial related upgrades to his Nkandla baby was born with the ability to development to create homestead. walk, and set its target on millions of sustainable jobs. liberating our people under the It is the EFF that ensured over guidance of Seven non- 6. Massive development of the 4000 workers were insourced in negotiable Cardinal Pillars for African economy and the Johannesburg Metropolitan, economic freedom. advocating for a move from and in Nelson Mandela Bay and reconciliation to justice. Tshwane, decisively The EFF upon its formation undermining the parasitic made critical observations of 7. Open, accountable tender system. what constitutes South African government and society reality, as diagnosis is the without fear of victimisation foremost part of waging any

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

3

The EFF has been at the forefront of the land discourse, elevating it into legislation and initiating the process to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for expropriation of land without compensation.

The EFF remains the only organization that has shown verifiable support to the rallying call for Free Education, and through our Student Movement, have secure free registrations, walk-in registrations and debt clearance, and turned the youth environment into a vibrant and militant arena for ideas and resistance.

We are now in the progress of presenting a Student Debt Cancellation Private Member’s Bill, to clear student debt of young people who have met the requirements to receive their qualifications.

This is among various legislation have become managers of the of the EFF as an organization such as the proposal to establish affairs of capital, as such are with national presence. It is only a State-Owned Bank, and unable to maintain their through this national presence superior submissions to curb legitimacy. It is for this reason that we will accomplish sincere corruption by the financial that it is a government that is restoration of land to its rightful sector, to allow government to unable to engage its people and owners, the black majority, not control monetary policy. sends the army when there is the artificial attempts of political instability. By doing this, amending the constitution The EFF has in all sectors the puppet regime of the ANC currently being pursued by the surpassed the so-called former has become an illegitimate ruling party. liberation movement and government similar to those in toothless trade unions, in Myanmar, Uganda and eSwatini. It is only through the building of championing struggles upon this National and continental which they base their existence. As we celebrate the 8th economic emancipation Anniversary, the primary movement, that we will be able The fact of the matter is that the objective of the EFF must to rescue our judiciary from the ruling party and all of its allies therefore be the establishment apparent and obvious capture,

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

4 by capital and it’s lackeys. The This is a sign that once the EFF character of the judiciary has This is from the creative governs, we will never see become regressive, this is shown industry, that is subjected to internal political party warfare, by its refusal to align itself with neglect, and artists who are spill into the streets of the accountability in terms of the victims of super-exploitation by nation. CR17 bank statements, which record companies and even the carry evidence of premeditated public broadcaster in the form of Let us continue to build a capture of the state. SABC radio. continental organization that understands the need for Pan- This capture has become so The EFF must continue being the Africanism and progressive entrenched, that even during a only dependable organization internationalism at the centre of global health pandemic, the for the creative industry, our struggle. May we forever President of the country has improving in our existing efforts remember that we will never be turned himself into a marketing of the Artist Solidarity Fund, by free until the people of Africa agent of a Western-aligned pushing legislation to protect and the people of Palestine are vaccine in Johnson and Johnson, workers rights and ensuring they all liberated. at the expense of life. receive royalties for their contributions of maintaining the May we remain true to the It is a capture that permeates in soul of society. identity that inspired our the media and has subjected all existence, of the Cuban members of society to misery Ground forces must remain Revolution that always practiced and promotion of mediocrity. disciplined, and protect and love internationalism in its outlook one another, as we intensify our for building a socialist world. Our The EFF must therefore use its organizational building process, solidarity with the oppressed growth as a motivation to not in Branch and Regional People’s people of the world must be only win municipalities to ensure Assemblies. We salute all of our meaningful and practical, in the they are people-orientated and members for building this same way the Cubans did, for deliver basic services but rescue movement of the people the people of Africa. all sectors of society whose without spilling a single drop of collapse has been fast-tracked blood. Hasta La Victoria Siempre, Long by the poor-handling of the Live the Economic Freedom COVID-19 pandemic. Fighters!

TH THE 100 ANNIVERSARY 5

OF THE COMMUNIST

PARTY OF CHINA.

Floyd Shivambu

subscribe to Marxism-Leninism, we are always inspired and driven by so many achievements of a revolutionary movement that defied all odds to lead one of the most successful and still growing socialist economies in the present age. The Communist Party of China continues to demonstrate the superiority of Marxist-Leninist logic in the organisation of the party, management of the economy and leadership of society as a whole.

The story of the Communist Party of China is a constant reminder to all revolutionaries around the globe that a different world is possible, free of the exploitation of the majority by the minority. A world where the he Economic Freedom the CPC is the largest and most interests of the majority matter Fighters joins millions of prominent Communist Party, more than the greed of the progressive forces T minority. China has worldwide in celebrating the one of the biggest political exponentially grown its 100th Anniversary of the parties, and one of the most economy over the last 40 years Communist Party of China (CPC). successful revolutionary to account for almost 20% of the With over 90 million members, movements in the world today. global economy and trade.

As revolutionary forces that China has uplifted more than

6

700 million people from leaders, key among which are revolutionary. The entire history absolute poverty. All these Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, of revolution proves that happened under the superior and the present leader of the without the leadership of the logic of Marxism-Leninism, Party, Xi-Xinping. It is therefore working-class revolution fails which were denounced as failed important to highlight their and that with the leadership of ideologies by neoliberal achievements here: the working-class revolution reactionaries who have no triumphs. In the epoch of appreciation of Marxist science. MAO ZEDONG’S imperialism, in no country can any other class lead any genuine CONTRIBUTION The CPC was founded on the 1st revolution to victory. This is of July in 1921 in Shanghai by proved by the fact that the many Chinese intellectuals such as Mao was a founding member of revolutions led by China's petty Chen Duxiu, who was referred to the CPC and one of the key bourgeoisie and national as China's Lenin and Li Dachao. leaders of the revolutionary bourgeoisie all failed". The party drew its inspiration strides made by the CPC before from the 4th of May Movement, the establishment of the Mao is the undisputed founder which was an anti-feudal People's Republic of China. Thus, and inspiration of China's movement founded by students Mao was already an forceful entry into the realm of in China. The Bolshevik Great accomplished leader even global power steeped on Socialist Revolution in Russia before the end of the civil war in Marxism. spired the 4th May Movement. China. However, his lasting contribution has to be forming The inspiration speaks to the DENG XIAOPING internationalist nature of the the People's Republic of China CONTRIBUTION 1917 Bolshevik revolution and itself in 1949 and the firm the fact that it inspired commitment to Marxism as a worldwide revolt against guiding theoretical framework Deng Xiaoping took over the repressive systems and for the country. leadership of China in 1978 and awakened working-class His commitment to the embarked on State reforms that consciousness across the length leadership of the working class is would transform China from a and breadth of the globe. best captured in his paper low-income economy into what entitled “ON THE PEOPLE’S is today the second-largest From the formation of CPC, we DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP”, economy in the world. He also learn that consciousness wherein he says: introduced the socialist market has been purposely planted in economy concept in 1978, and the minds and hearts of people, "The people's democratic from the reforms he introduced, particularly young people. The dictatorship needs the poverty was almost eliminated struggle for socialism in China leadership of the working class. in China within a generation. owes its success and durability For it is only the working class Through his Four to the foundation laid by several that is most farsighted, most Modernisations in agriculture, selfless and most thoroughly defence, industry and science

7 and technology, he marked the Council of Non-governmental enough attention to developing beginning of the reforms that persons seems to have productive forces. Socialism would drive China’s underpinned China’s growth and means eliminating poverty. development. expansion in the last 30 years. In Pauperism is not socialism, still what was subsequently less communism" (Xiaoping, He was able to drive this published as “Building Socialism 1984). development while deeply with Chinese characteristics”, rooted in Marxist theory and not Xiaoping said: The scientific socialism EFF flirting with quasi-capitalism, as ascribes to should necessarily some have argued. In his paper "What is socialism, and what is lead to the development of the titled “In Everything We Do We Marxism? We were not quite productive forces and ensure Must Proceed from the Realities clear about this in the past. greater workers control of the of the Primary Stage of Marxism attaches utmost economy, and we have no Socialism", Deng was clear of the importance to developing hesitation about saying that. pragmatic steps China had to productive forces. We have said There are various take and articulated them as that socialism is the primary interpretations and even follows: stage of communism and that at distortions of what Deng the advanced stage, the Xiaoping meant. However, an "China is developing its principle of from each according observation he made that economy in three steps. Two to his ability and to each "Socialism means eliminating steps will be taken in this according to his needs will be poverty. Pauperism is not century to reach the point applied. This calls for highly socialism, still less communism" where our people have developed productive forces is correct. There are also areas adequate food and clothing and and an overwhelming where China can make lead a fairly comfortable life. The abundance of material wealth. significant progress, particularly third step, which will take us 30 Therefore, the fundamental task on the democratic participation to 50 years into the next for the socialist stage is to of the people in the economy century, is to reach the level of develop productive forces. The and society. Yet, its rapid the moderately developed superiority of the socialist industrial development, agrarian countries. These are our system is demonstrated, in the reform, and state-led economic strategic objectives and our high final analysis, by faster and expansion since 1978 are ambitions". greater development of those admirable. China moved from forces than under the capitalist being 100th in the world Xiaoping’s contribution to the system. As they develop, the economy in 1978 to the 2nd CPC’s ideological and political people's material and cultural biggest economy today. direction is perhaps the most life will constantly improve. One impactful in the past 40 years. of our shortcomings after the Overall, the CPC has The 1984 remark by Deng founding of the People's demonstrated since 1953 that a Xiaoping in the Sino-Japanese Republic was that we didn't pay planned economy is almost a

8 panacea to developmental and guiding the economy progressive China is a welcome challenges. China has a planned and society towards shared relief after decades of American economy, implemented and prosperity. imperialism. However, there is monitored through five-year 2. Marxism is not dogma and practically nothing in the world plans. From 1953 to date, China must always be adapted to that can stop the rise of socialist has implemented thirteen five- changing domestic and and developed China. As it year plans and is now global conditions, and this is celebrates 100 years of its implementing its fourteenth. All reflected in China's adoption formation, our call to the CPC is these plans have dealt with of and adherence to that it must play an ever- practical ways of growing the 'Socialism with Chinese increasing role in nurturing and Chinese economy, eliminating Characteristics". protecting emerging socialist poverty, and making China a 3. Revolutionary solidarity economies globally and leading respected global economy. must define and guide all the creation of an enabling revolutionary forces in the environment for alternative As a growing Marxist-Leninist world. development paths. As the organisation, the EFF has several 4. Neoliberalism is not and Economic Freedom Fighters, we lessons to learn from the CPC, cannot be a sustainable and will continue to draw inspiration and these include correct mechanism to drive from the CPC and its leadership. the development of 1. Marxism-Leninism remains productive forces. Floyd Shivambu is EFF Deputy the most logical ideological President foundation for building a The rise of a socialist, revolutionary movement humanitarian and more

9 EFF

ACHIEVEMENTS

IN THE LAST

EIGHT YEARS Marshall Dlamini

internationalist outlook – led by the youth. Yet, in the last eight years, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has established itself as a political movement anchored by popular grassroots formation and struggles. The EFF is present across all corners of South Africa, taking up its generational mission of economic freedom in our lifetime.

The EFF Pan-Africanist message for continental unity and economic freedom in our lifetime has reverberated across the continent. It has led to the formation of EFF structures in Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Eswatini, Malawi and Ghana. However, the most immediate and significant achievement of the EFF in the eight years since it was formed is

the recognition by young people ight years ago, no one of an entirely new radical leftist, throughout the continent that would have imagined the anti-capitalist, and anti- there cannot be economic E formation in South Africa imperialist movement with an

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

10 emancipation in one country Black people remain landless, departments and state-owned while the rest of Africa remains and the expropriation of land enterprises. The EFF effectively in neocolonial and neoliberal without compensation is central led a political process, including clutches. to economic development. action in parliament, that Before the formation of the EFF, stopped the Gupta criminal The EFF was founded on the land question was syndicate. One of the by- economic questions as a marginalised, even though the products of the EFF political response – by activists, young majority of the population programme against the Guptas and old, the unemployed, and continues to occupy less than 10 is a vibrant political landscape workers – to the clarion call for per cent of South Africa's land. that extends to parliament. This economic emancipation in our The existence and popularity of has led to improved oversight lifetime on the African the EFF is synonymous with land over the executive and continent. Millions of South struggles. The EFF has led and government across all spheres, Africans found a home in the supported land occupation and it has made politics EFF’s generational mission, and programmes, resulting in fashionable. For example, the they actively participated in residential land being given to EFF got former President Jacob building qualitative and many landless people in all the Zuma to pay back money spent quantitative structures in every provinces, such as the people of on non-security related street and ward. Through the Mooidraai farm in the Free upgrades at his homestead in hard work and mobilisation of State. In Bela-Bela, the EFF Nkandla because of improved activists, the EFF has enjoyed a tabled a motion for a land oversight over the executive. It is faster qualitative and expropriation programme that on account of the EFF that the quantitative growth in South led the municipal council to country can speak of a people's Africa than any other party allocate 700 fully serviced stands parliament with a recognisable formed outside the ruling party. to deserving landless people. voice that holds the government accountable. In the past three elections, held Today, the land question is at in 2014, 2016 and 2019, millions the centre of most meaningful The EFF has used its voted for the EFF. The discourse and debates – thanks parliamentary participation to organisation grew its number of to the EFF. Parliament is table legislation that will change public representatives from 61 currently occupied with the the economic architecture of in 2014 to more than 900, with amendment of Section 25 of the South Africa. South Africa’s representation in parliament, Constitution to allow land economy continues to be provincial legislatures, and the expropriation without concentrated in the hands of a majority of municipal councils in compensation – after the EFF few minorities. According to the South Africa. EFF public successfully tabled a motion in Reserve Bank, South Africa's representatives used their parliament in 2018 to address banking sector is dominated by participation in parliament, land hunger. the five largest banks, which provincial legislatures, and collectively hold 90.1 per cent of municipal councils to represent The EFF was formed at a time the total banking sector assets the voices of the forgotten, when the South Africa without state participation. The oppressed, and neglected Government was under the same ownership patterns can be masses, while holding the control of the Gupta criminal found in other financial sector executive to account. syndicate, involving corrupt and industries, such as insurance and malicious control of key asset management.

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

11

The EFF tabled a private The EFF continues to champion The EFF’s most outstanding member bill in parliament to workers’ interests. The EFF, achievement in the eight years amend the Banks Act of 1990. through its public since its formation is the fight This would allow the creation of representatives in against anti-black racism and state-owned banks that would Johannesburg, Tshwane, and continued disregard for black register and conduct Nelson Mandela Bay municipal lives. Despite the attainment of commercial banks. The bill was councils, tabled successful political freedom, black people passed by parliament and signed motions on the insourcing of are subjected to racism by the president into law under municipality workers. the Finance Act. However, it is Consequently, thousands of perpetrated by institutions such the EFF’s persistence that led to security guards, cleaners, and as banks, insurance companies, the amendment allowing for other low-paid workers are now many other service providers, creation of state banks. In full-time employees with proper and right-wingers. The EFF has addition, an EFF private member salaries. For example, security built the confidence of black bill to nationalise the South guards in Nelson Mandela Bay people – in particular black African Reserve Bank and to were insourced with a salary workers working in racist discontinue private ownership increase from R4 000 to R11 companies – to confront racism of the central bank is currently 0000. In Rustenburg, the EFF wherever it is encountered. before parliament for fought for workers to be consideration. reinstated after their Commissar Marshall Dlamini is employment was wrongfully EFF Secretary General terminated.

The Economic Freedom 12

Fighter’s: Becoming a

People’s Government

Poppy Raisibe Mailola

This piece will briefly reflect on how the interventions made by this budding people’s movement signify an organisation with a blueprint to govern. In order to reflect on this, we must read the EFF’s small-scale interventions in their structural context. These interventions should not be likened to the liberal philanthropy that defines the capitalist order, which continues to feign an ethical character, while only maintaining the parasitic dependency that has defined African life in relation to business interests.

To measure all the interventions made over the past eight years is no small exercise, but there are notable programmes that speak s the third-largest Being a grassroots protest to the developmental character political party in South movement that is also styled as a of the EFF. These programmes A Africa – and arguably political party, the EFF has been characterise an organisation that the fastest growing on the able to essentially govern cannot be compared to any continent – the Economic without governing, assuming other. Freedom Fighters (EFF) has massive responsibilities while made immeasurable making life-changing The aviation sector in South contributions to the lives of interventions based on its Africa is defined by racial ordinary people. primary mandate of promoting exclusion. In recent memory we economic freedom. saw the collapse of the national

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

13 airline, South African Airways Through this EFF programme Department of Health of women (SAA), in the interests of young black people are able to who are HIV/AIDS positive. In privatisation and the further become pilots, ensuring that what can only be referred to as exclusion of black people, pilots they will constitute the majority targeted depopulation, the this time. Black pilots rightfully in one of the most sophisticated department identified black questioned the criteria of the and technical sectors in our women infected with HIV and useless business rescue country. stole any prospect of them practitioners at SAA, who were having children, without their using a “last in, first out” policy This case study shows how the consent. for retrenchments at the entity. EFF has a verifiable intent to build a developmental country The EFF tackled this matter by This essentially meant that those where black people will be reviving a Commission for retrenched would be black capacitated to lead in the long- Gender Equality report into this people, because the longest term. issue, meeting the victims, and serving pilots are white. This is elevating the matter into public due to the racial separate The EFF also intervened to help and legislative discourse. As an development that is ingrained in Mama Ndanduleni Winnie organisation, the EFF has thus South African society. Makoka, whose 14-year-old son sided with black people against was left destitute in Venda – the biological warfare waged The EFF Pilot Programme, failed by our public healthcare against them, a war that is as old which has already produced system. The EFF, which ran a as colonialism itself. three young black graduates, Year of Public Healthcare represents a structural response Campaign in 2018, intervened The EFF’s interventions stem to a problem created by separate after the family was ignored by from a commitment inspired by development. The EFF initiative numerous institutions it wrote to the Cuban revolutionary attitude identifies young black people to for help. towards healthcare. The medical be taken through aviation school cases are complex and to obtain their professional Jabulani Mnisi, from the Clau- widespread, and they are licences. Clau community in symptomatic of neglect of the Mpumalanga, suffered heart- most downtrodden and Observing the racial patterns in breaking difficulty with a forgotten. certain spheres of society, the dehumanising tumour. Mnisi EFF has made a deliberate was a beneficiary of the EFF’s By resolving to assist these attempt to create a pool of black concerted efforts to intervene in people, the EFF has shown that pilots who will become the healthcare matters that is has an overwhelming appetite experienced fliers of the future. government had simply ignored. to develop and intervene in In this way, the organisation is community healthcare, helping to gradually undermine South Africa’s healthcare particularly in complex medical the worn-out excuse of system has continued to situations that involve experience and competence that victimise our people. Nowhere transgressions. underpins racist systems that has this been more evident than have been developed over time. in the forced sterilisation by the

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

14

The EFF’s continuing solidarity her grandchildren. This incapacitated, the EFF has been toward the disabled is well- intervention exemplifies an able to link its revolutionary documented. In 2015, the organisation that is committed to attitude to tremendous organisation donated community and grassroots compassion for those who are wheelchairs to the Helen Bishop programmes, as all these less fortunate. Home in Kimberley, Northern individuals were encountered in Cape. The EFF also upgraded EFF community programmes. It would therefore be naïve to the home by donating stoves and The EFF does not go door to argue against the basic truth that relevant tools, thus contributing door simply to leverage votes: it the EFF has impacted toward the well-being of the does so to actually confront the meaningfully on the lives of children the home caters for. challenges facing our people. ordinary people in the eight years of its existence. The Phumelela Kati, from the Sthandiwe Hlongwane, who organisation has already built a Eastern Cape, is another lived in a mud house in Nkandla, legacy of grassroots assistance beneficiary of the EFF’s Kwa-Zulu Natal, also had a and presence. commitment to those who have house built for her by the EFF in been forgotten. The EFF a community that has been living The EFF continues to mature practically saved her life by in the shadow of a palace. The and grow electorally in leaps and buying her an electric EFF’s determination to provide bounds, and as it gears up to wheelchair. decent housing for our people build a school for orphans, may has been demonstrated in such it never lose its compassion – the Koko Mohlala from cases, where people’s lives are character that all revolutionaries Sekhukhune, Limpopo, drastically changed for the should carry. benefited from the EFF’s better. commitment to providing decent May the EFF continue to have an housing and healthcare to the These interventions must be undying love for the people of disabled. Koko lived in a one- seen in a humanising context. Africa as it progresses toward room shack. The EFF built her a There is nothing as becoming a People’s house, thus rescuing her from dehumanising as being Government. hopeless confinement to a forgotten, helpless, and unable dangerous, one-room shack that to live a life of dignity due to Happy Birthday EFF! posed a threat to her already illness or disability. fragile well-being. Poppy Raisibe Mailola is the With an acute understanding that EFF Deputy Secretary General The last years of Koko’s life are the morality of a society is and Head of the Gender Based marked with dignity: she was measured by how it treats its Violence Help Desk. able to provide a safe haven to most desperate and

HOW THE EFF 15

CHANGED THE

FINANCIAL SECTOR

DISCOURSE IN EIGHT

YEARS Omphile Maotwe

he formation of the Economic Freedom T Fighters (EFF) eight years ago has brought into focus the economic question in South Africa and across the African continent. The EFF exists because without economic freedom all the others – including political freedom – are meaningless. Throughout the last eight years the EFF has remained clear about ownership, control, and redistribution of the economy for the benefit of all. In the South African case, this talks directly to the financial sector.

The financial sector is one of the most important in South Africa’s economy. It includes banks, insurance companies, and critical role in the economic life financial services sector investment funds, which play a of our country. In 1994, the contributed 7 per cent to the

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

16 total GDP. By 2020 the GDP dismantle the racial character of sector – thanks to intervention share of the financial services the system. The reality, had the by the EFF. sector had increased to 21 per EFF not responded to the clarion cent, making it the highest call and its general mission, is Before formation of the EFF contributor to GDP. that the discourse about there was no meaningful talk genuine economic about creation of state banks, as Unsurprisingly, in terms of transformation would have the banking sector continued to ownership and control, the continued in its current sterile be concentrated in the hands of financial sector remains in the form. a few. The EFF tabled a private hands of a white minority, men member’s bill in parliament to in particular. According to the In the last eight years, EFF amend the Banks Act of 1990 Reserve Bank, South Africa’s intervention in the financial and thus to allow creation of banking sector is dominated by sector discourse has state-owned banks that would the five largest banks, which conscientised black people to register and conduct the collectively hold 90.1 per cent of the need for a fundamental shift business of commercial banks. the total banking-sector assets. from the clutches of While the amendments were South Africa’s life insurance neoliberalism. Because of the passed by parliament and signed sector is dominated by the five EFF, it is now clear that transfer by the president under a largest insurers, who collectively of wealth from the minority different bill, the objective was hold 72.9 per cent of total should encompass the achieved. Despite legislation assets, while the non-life commanding heights of the that allows state-owned insurance sector is dominated economy: anything less would enterprises to apply for banking by eight large insurers, who hold be posturing. licences – and related more than 55.8 per cent of gross commitments by the finance premiums. Ownership patterns EFF intervention in the last eight minister in 2019 – there is no are similar in the stock exchange years has not been limited to evidence that there will ever be and asset management. changing the financial-sector a state-owned bank. discourse. The EFF’s practical Past discourse has focused on interventions go a long way The EFF is the first political party superficial ownership through toward a fight for political power in South Africa to have a known black economic empowerment – to take over the economy and policy position on establishment schemes, while large-scale introduce meaningful of a sovereign wealth fund in its financialisation has contributed transformation. The Portfolio Founding Manifesto. The EFF to consolidation of wealth in a Committee on Trade and canvassed for the establishment few white hands. The South Industry has held public hearings of such a fund to ensure that the African economy, in the on transformation of the free-carry shares in mining and meantime, has still failed to financial sector – and other resource sectors be productively expand in a manner marginalisation of black retained by the state, acting as that would create jobs and practitioners in the financial custodian of the people as a

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

17 whole. Thus far, government has black people to be indebted manner that will dismantle committed itself to establishing economic staffriders, who inequality, poverty, and a sovereign wealth fund – even borrow money from the banks, unemployment. We carry though this is likely to be empty buy shares, and do not individual and collective rhetoric. It is evident that only genuinely participate in responsibility, and an obligation, an EFF government would economic activity in any to undo the economic injustices establish and manage a meaningful sense. The majority of the past and to build sovereign wealth fund to or all of the BEE beneficiaries are equitable economic and social generate economic activity, staffriders in white companies: development for the future. expand productive forces, and they do not even know how the create jobs from South Africa’s companies are run. The content As we celebrate the EFF’s Eighth natural endowments. of black ownership must not be Anniversary, we reflect limited to black male elites subjectively and objectively on The EFF is the first political party alone: it must include workers our responsibility and obligation to table concrete, enforceable and communities – and it must to undo the economic injustices legislation that will advance always prioritise women. While of the past. To build equitable persons, or categories of it has not yet been fully economic and social persons, disadvantaged by accepted, a shift is beginning to development will need the unfair discrimination. We have yield results due to the EFF’s dedicated focus and consistently placed this at the consistent championing of commitment shown by the EFF. top of the financial economic transformation. It is impossible to imagine the transformation agenda. This current financial sector includes legislation prescribing The EFF has made it clear that discourse on transformation – that all the country’s legal we need a radical economic and the centrality of economic businesses, including those in revolution – premised on the questions in political the financial sector, should consensus of all stakeholders. programmes on the African comprise a minimum of 50 per The creation of the EFF eight continent – without thinking of cent of black people. Current years ago has laid a very the EFF. economic inclusion policies have important foundation for proven very weak in principle thorough political deliberation Omphile Maotwe is EFF and practice. Broad-based Black on how we should strive, as Treasurer General Economic Empowerment (B- black people, to take part in the BBEE) Codes only provide for economy in a meaningful

18 EIGHT YEARS OF

PROGRESSIVE

INTERNATIONALISM

Godrich Gardee

clothes, health, education, struggles and will always be on passports and accommodation the side of the people.” assistance. We sang songs The Founding Manifesto defines thanking the people of Angola, us as a “movement with a Mozambique, Zambia, Cuba, progressive internationalist and Russia: “Here we are far outlook, which seeks to engage from home, we shall need you, with global progressive we shall love you for the best movements”. We “believe that you have done for us.” We the best contribution we can achieved our political freedom, make in the international thanks to the great sages of struggle against global Africa, Presidents Kaunda, imperialism is to rid our country The spirit of Internationalism is Nyerere, Machel, Mugabe and of imperialist domination.” The the lifeblood of all revolutions, many others. manifesto further cogently as is evident in the closing words The Founding Manifesto of the elaborates our policy posture on of The Communist Manifesto Economic Freedom Fighters progressive internationalism as (1848) by Friedrich Engels and (EFF) states that the “premised on building solidarity Karl Marx: ‘The proletarians organisation is “a radical, leftist, and working relationships with have nothing to lose but their anti-capitalist, and anti- all movements in the world that chains. They have a world to win. imperialist movement with an identify ideologically with anti- Working men of all countries, internationalist outlook capitalism and anti-imperialism. unite!’. anchored by popular grassroots In this regard, the EFF will During the liberation struggle, formations and struggles. The ideologically and politically we were beneficiaries of EFF will be the vanguard of support movements that seek progressive internationalism in community and workers’ the economic decolonisation of financial and military aid;

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

19 the African continent. The EFF We have deliberately and autocratic governments in those will also advocate for free trade exhaustively quoted from the countries. across the entire African Founding Manifesto to True to our commitment to continent, with common tariffs demonstrate to those who join – international solidarity, for eight for goods and services from or intend to join – the EFF that years we have engaged in country to country. we are not a narrow, nationalist, pragmatic and programme- “ and chauvinistic movement that based solidarity with people The EFF will also advocate is self-seeking to the exclusion of throughout the world who are poor people in the rest of the oppressed under the yoke of for the ultimate integration world, who suffer at the hands colonialism and imperialism of of the African continent of oppressive and abusive any type. through the erosion and regimes. We have at all material times eventual elimination of In the eight years of our identified with the struggle for unnecessary borders, existence, we have become the economic emancipation of which in the case of South only political formation in the Africa and the African diaspora. world that has a footprint We demonstrated at Israel’s Africa will entail the outside the African borders that apartheid-state embassy to Botswana, Lesotho, and were imposed by European show that an EFF government Swaziland borders in a leaders at the 1885 Berlin will close their mission if their manner that involves and Conference. suppression of the people of includes the participation We remain an inspiration to Palestine – in their striving for and approval of those young and old in the rest of self-determination – does not Africa. cease. countries. This will also be The newly independent Namibia We have marched to the encouraged in other parts has two members of parliament Moroccan embassy on our soil of the African continent. on the ticket of EFF Namibia. to demonstrate that there will The EFF will also advocate Our militancy and fearlessness be consequences from an EFF for common infrastructure have seen dictators trembling in government if the self for transportation (roads, Uganda and eSwatini as determination of the people of organisations emerge styled Western Sahara is not achieved railways, harbours, etc.), along the lines of the radicalism in our lifetime. electricity, and water. and revolutionary philosophy of We have signalled in border Africa should use its the EFF in South Africa. blockade demonstrations to the resources to benefit all the The red berets regalia nonsensical family government people of the African movements are emerging in of King Mswati that the days of continent in a manner that Ghana, Liberia, Lesotho, Malawi, its archaic, undemocratic, and and Zimbabwe – to the corrupt parasitic junta are will lead to collective annoyance of despotic and numbered. upliftment ”

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

20

We have loudly shouted to the Parliament and stopped the economic inept ruling party executive and shenanigans of French its majority in parliament to imperialism acting with impunity emancipation – renounce relationships with in Africa. these three axes of evil: Israel, We have condemned the self- and into the Morocco, and eSwatini. We have hate of South Africans, who on many occasions called for the foolishly believed the white international recall of their diplomatic mantra of xenophobia, and we struggles against representatives as the highest called it for what it is, Afriphobia. form of diplomatic protest The tragic events of tribalism, against the conduct of their #FreeZumaProtests have governments. We have issued silenced the racism, statements – and debated in #PutSouthAfricaFirst imbeciles parliament – calling for closure who have always rehashed the inequality, and of diplomatic missions notion that our problems in poverty. representing these axes of evil South Africa are caused by Judge us on the walk of our talk on our soil and recall of our own Africans from other parts of as we cruise nicely to the diplomats from their countries. Africa. anniversary of our first decade At the peak of the #Covid19 The eight years on 26 June 2023. pandemic, we challenged the US A happy and hearty eighth Government superpower in the of our existence birthday to the giant #BlackLivesMatter revolutionary movement, EFF!! demonstrations at its embassy have infused the over its failure to clamp down on Godrich Gardee is a Member of anti-black racism by security necessary EFF Central Command Team forces on its shores. impetus into our responsible for International We have asserted our superior Relations logic at the Pan-African struggle for

ONE AFRICA

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

21

HOW THE EFF

CHANGED THE

LAND DISCOURSE

IN THE COUNTRY? Ntombovuyo Veronica Mente

upon which rests the core of our future landholding in the generational mission of country. Expropriation of land economic freedom in our without compensation, while lifetime. This cardinal pillar not critically important, is merely a only seeks to correct historical way to acquire land. Real hard land dispossession, but more work lies beyond the fundamentally, it seeks to expropriation discourse. This redefine the very concept of hard work involves the landownership in South Africa determination of what so as to ensure equitable constitutes land in our national distribution of this very discourse; who gets to possess it; important and finite resource to under what conditions; and for the dispossessed majority. The what purpose. These questions Founding Manifesto of the EFF were never asked in any

does not limit itself to substantive way before the EFF he first non-negotiable expropriation as a panacea for forcefully opened discussion on and cardinal pillar of the land reform. It goes much the national land discourse. Economic Freedom T further than that and recognises Fighters (EFF) is ‘expropriation that expropriation of land Prior to the formation of the of land without compensation without compensation EFF, the land discourse in South for equal redistribution and use’. constitutes an essential aspect of Africa was stale. It was limited This is a foundational pillar,

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

22 to academic halls and a few intellectual base on which it substantive constitutional conferences organised by a depends, the pain of amendments. handful of dedicated civil landlessness was something that society organisations. All these could be postponed indefinitely Then in February 2018, bemoaned the slow pace of land – despite the shocking parliament passed a motion on reform, attributing this to revelations of the 2014 land the question of expropriation of government inertia; lack of audit report. This report stated land without compensation. The political will; and the policy of that 79 per cent of South original motion, tabled by the ‘willing-buyer willing-seller’, Africa’s 122 million hectares of EFF, called for the which the government has used land was privately owned; 14 per establishment of an ad hoc to articulate its approach to land cent was owned by the state, and committee to: reform since 1994. Very few 7 per cent was unaccounted for. challenged the constitutional In the face of these glaring a. Review and amend Section foundations of land reform as the revelations, the EFF strongly 25 of the Constitution to main stumbling block toward believed that the state should be make it possible for the state more meaningful redistribution. the custodian of fair and to expropriate land in the The constitutional provisions for meaningful redistribution. Most public interest without land reform were sanctified and importantly, the state should compensation, and in the could not be messed with. The avail land for public purpose process conduct public reality, however, is that 27 years with no unnecessary hurdles. hearings to get the views of after the attainment of political ordinary South Africans, freedom, the state has managed There is no gainsaying that – as policymakers, civil-society to restore less than 10 per cent of the result of pressure applied by organisations, and the land to black people. This the EFF – the ruling party was academics about the falls far short of its 1994 target forced to adopt a resolution on necessity of – and of redistributing 30 per cent of land expropriation without mechanisms for – land to black people by 1999. compensation at its 2017 expropriating land without conference. Implicit in this compensation; When the EFF spoke of radical resolution was the recognition b. Propose the necessary transformation of society – that society was paying constitutional amendments centring its discourse on the considerable attention to the with regard to the kind of return of dispossessed land to its ideal of land expropriation future land tenure regime rightful possessors – the South without compensation. Millions needed, taking into account African Government, and the of people across the country had the need for the State to be largely white quasi-intellectual actually responded to the EFF the custodian of all South base upon which the government call to occupy land. The ruling African land. depends, were caught unawares. party, however, did not favour a For this reason the ruling party fundamental resolution of the To enable its support for this repeatedly rejected EFF land question, but merely motion, the ANC introduced attempts to amend the wished to derail the EFF and its amendments, which included the Constitution prior to 2018. For uncompromising push for need for it to be investigated by the ruling party, and the the Constitutional Review

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

23

Committee before substantive the custodian of all land, as it is fundamentally by the very work on the constitutional for water and minerals. This, the nature of the country’s land amendment could take place. EFF contends, will give the state tenure system. The end of This, while not ideal, allowed sufficient authority to apartheid and the dawn of the public to participate in the redistribute land-use rights to the democracy did not result in any lawmaking process in a manner vast majority of the people, who massive shifts in the distribution that has not been seen since are currently locked out of of power, property, and 1994. landownership. Furthermore, opportunities. The EFF contends this will break the stranglehold that it is impossible to ensure a It was no surprise therefore, that that a few rich people and broad-based land redistribution the report of the Constitutional companies have over land. programme when the land tenure Review Committee on this regime is still primarily that of process noted overwhelming Land dispossession and the freehold tenure. public support for amendment of system of freehold tenure that it the Constitution to allow for introduced created an As a consequence of the EFF’s land expropriation without exclusionary system of intervention, South Africa has compensation. The landownership, what Sampie now started talking about the establishment of an ad hoc Terreblanche called a “politico- inevitability of radical land committee to introduce economic system that was reforms; about the Constitution legislation that amends Section insensitive to notions of joint- as a hindrance to thoroughgoing 25 of the Constitution – to allow interests and shared justice, transformation of society; and for land expropriation without while economic interest of each about the untenability of private compensation – is meant to system thrived recklessly on ownership of key productive conclude this process. unequal freedoms and the resources at the expense of the unequal distribution of power, vast majority of the excluded What the EFF still seeks to do property, and opportunities”. and the marginalised. That the with this process, however, is to EFF has managed to do this tackle land questions in as Land is central to all of this within eight years is a miracle comprehensive a manner as unequal distribution of power, that history will have to study in possible. The Founding property, and opportunities. This greater detail. Manifesto enjoins the EFF to is not only limited to the so- fight for reconfiguration of land called slow pace of Ntombovuyo Veronica Mente is tenure so that the state becomes redistribution of land, but more EFF National Chairperson

24 thE EFF STUDENTs COMMAND IS THE

EFF’S GREATEST GIFT TO HIGHER

EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA Sinawo Tambo

Uprising generation. This would normally be turned away student vanguard was tasked from the gates of a higher first and foremost with the education sector that is defined primary duty of mobilising by capitalist and racist students behind the banner of knowledge production – as well economic freedom, with a as elitism that determines who comprehensive understanding participates in the tertiary sector that no liberation can be on the basis of money. achieved on campuses without liberation in broader society. It is therefore no coincidence that formation of the EFFSC One of the products of the committed struggle waged by EFFSC has undoubtedly had a coincided with one of the most the Economic Freedom Fighters marked effect on the lives of organised, militant, and national (EFF) in the South African ordinary, poor students, who uprisings on university and landscape has been the establishment of its student movement, the Economic Freedom Fighters Students Command (EFFSC).

Established in accordance with resolutions of the First National People’s Assembly of the EFF, the EFFSC was formally launched on 16 June 2015 as a movement that would echo the cries and bravery of the 1976 Soweto

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

25

Technical Vocational Education that aims at free, quality, EFFSC has challenged what is and Training (TVET) college and well-resourced taught; who teaches; how campuses post-1994. This education. knowledge is taught; and its uprising took the form of what is 3. Championing the interests purpose in institutions of higher popularly known as the Fees of students and all workers learning. Must Fall Movement. Imbued in institutions of higher with a working-class character, learning. This can be seen in case studies and the revolutionary defiance 4. Building a dynamic involving the University of that the EFF brought to a liberal relationship between Pretoria and the University of body politic in the country, the students and community Stellenbosch, at the level of EFFSC laboured to create an struggles and campaigns. challenging a language policy identity that is defined by 5. Participating in progressive that sought to entrench selfless struggle. international campaigns and volkdom. Public institutions of programmes. higher learning that taught fields From this moment the EFFSC 6. Promoting academic and in the Afrikaans language served organised itself around the research excellence and to exclude black students. By “Sizofunda Ngenkani” mantra progress. virtue of their background, black (we will study by force). The 7. Contributing to intellectual students struggled to grasp what campaign has thus far achieved and ideological discourse in was being taught to them by remarkable victories, not only a manner that seeks to inept translators of a language for the student populace, but for promote the struggle for that has been used historically workers within the higher economic freedom. for purposes of dominance. education sector. Armed with these clear-cut The call for Afrikaans Must Fall Any organisation, however, objectives we will measure the gained prominence, culminating must determine its progress and victories of the student wing of in the abandonment of the measure its achievements the Economic Emancipation language as a primary medium against the objectives it sets for Movement. of instruction. itself. The EFFSC holds the following seven non-negotiable We note the EFFSC’s first Rallying calls such as this principles as a guide to its notable victory and contribution represent an invaluable revolutionary struggle; to the academic sector – and by contribution by the EFFSC to association to the very lives of broader discourse. These calls 1. Mobilising students behind students – as the student are accompanied by demands to the struggle for economic movement’s pedagogical diversify representation of freedom, as embodied in the challenge to the character of lecturers and senior professors; EFF Founding Manifesto. higher education. In its efforts to inclusion of black intellectual 2. Pursuit of radical higher shift academia from its capitalist scholarship; and developmental education transformation and racist underpinnings, the and purpose-driven research

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

26 that speaks to the realities of our University of Technology, a new society. These EFFSC activities wave of activism was born, undoubtedly contribute to characterised by an intellectual and ideological overwhelming love for discourse, while further revolutionary song and radicalising higher education. dedication to the poor. Students flooded the gates of institutions, This is the essence of what the pursued their education, and EFF and EFFSC stand for: a obtained their degrees – fundamental revamping of the whether the powers that be education sector and agreed or not. decolonisation of knowledge in order to centre Africa and its The doors of learning were designed to turn student leaders experience. forced open, in pursuit of the into glorified prefects. objective of academic and

This militant posture by the research excellence. Multitudes Free registration, walk-ins, and EFFSC has defined protest of young people were removed clearances of historic debt – culture and associated demands from the doom of loitering on once viewed as unobtainable at the University of the the streets and succumbing to goals – became a yearly feature Witwatersrand, Tshwane substance abuse, which is the on campuses. Practising selfless University of Technology, and life of a young person in a activism, EFFSC members leave North-West University – in the country determined to hate its home each year – before the children. formal academic year begins – At the University of Cape Town, to become bearers of the hopes most regressive of spaces such African students – who are so and dreams of those who have as Potchefstroom. often categorised along with no money. In doing this, the their European and American EFFSC fulfils its objective of free, At a material level, the EFFSC has counterparts as international – quality, and well-resourced been a gift that keeps on giving. were for the first time allowed to education. After swooping to victory over register without making

Student Representative Councils exorbitant up-front payments. At the University of South Africa, – only two years after its At the Cape Peninsula University hundreds of thousands of inception – the student of Technology, students students were allowed to movement began changing the graduate yearly under the conduct walk-in registrations in terms of engagement. It watchful eye of the EFF Students 2018, through the persistence of encompassed the character of a Command, receiving their the EFF Students Command. At protest movement while it qualifications without paying a the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, developed adept skills at cent for them. Durban University of managing bureaucracies Technology, and Mangosuthu

Consolidating the ground towards socialist power

27

From Mthatha to Venda, the red relationship between students commended for giving the South t-shirt has become a symbol of and community struggles. African higher-education sector hope, as the product of the a precious gift, thus changing Economic Emancipation This feat is one of the most forever what it means to be a Movement continues to punch tangible and monumental student movement. above its weight. achievements of our young Perhaps the most notable student organisation. The May the EFF live long, and may achievement of the EFFSC was student movement of an the EFFSC continue as a spear in the insourcing of workers, organisation – which is only the hands of the vulnerable. cleaners, kitchen staff, eight years old – has succeeded gardeners, and all labourers. in a struggle in which unionists Happy Anniversary, EFF! This accorded with the pursuit of and shop stewards have failed to two critical EFFSC objectives: rally workers for decades. Sinawo Tambo is a Member of mobilising students behind the EFF Central Command Team and struggle for economic freedom, As the Economic Freedom Head of Presidency. and building a dynamic Fighters turns eight, it must be

28

EFF OFFICIALS

CIC and PRESIDENT JULIUS MALEMA DEPUTY PRESIDENT FLOYD SHIVAMBU SECRETARY GENERAL MARSHALL DLAMINI @Julius_S_Malema @FloydShivambu @MarshallDlamini @julius.malema.sello @FloydShivambu @Marshall_Dlamini Floyd Shivambu

DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL TREASURER GENERAL OMPHILE MAOTWE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON VERONICA MENTE POPPY MAILOLA @OmphileMaotwe @veronica_mente @Mailola_Poppy @omphilemaotwe @zovuyo_veronica_mente @Mailola_Poppy Omphile Maotwe Zovuyo Verona KaMente Poppy Mailola

29

EFF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

@EFFSouthAfrica @EFFSouthAfrica Economic Freedom Fighters Economic Freedom Fighters

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