The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has released a very ambitious manifesto for the upcoming local government elections. The party has promised to end corruption, provide for the poor, redistribute land and tax the wealthy.
The EFF manifesto was launched on Sunday at the party’s new headquarters named after Winnie Mandela. It is reported that at least 2,000 EFF supporters attended the launch.
Julius Malema arrived flanked with his deputy, Floyd Shivambu, and other members of the top six party leaders. They were received through applause and ululation from supporters.
“We, the social economic movement, can assure you that we have picked up the spear and continue the war for economic freedom. We are here to celebrate your massive legacy, because those who claim to be part of you have never celebrated you,” said Julius Malema.
In his speech, Malema characterised the EFF manifesto as a “roaring lion” which would trigger determination to won this year’s local government elections.
“We will do so with single-minded determination to ensure total victory for a socialist alternative that has long committed itself to the task of uplifting the lives of ordinary Africans,” he said.
“All EFF members and members of the community have played a central role in guiding the manifesto. This is an organic manifesto: not a book of promises, but a contract of commitment to the people of South Africa,” Malema stated.
The manifesto was based on:
- Expropriation of South Africa’s land without compensation for equal redistribution;
- Nationalisation of mines, banks, and other strategic sectors of the economy, without compensation;
- Building state and government capacity, which will lead to abolishment of tenders;
- Free quality education, healthcare, houses and sanitation;
- Massive protected industrial development to create millions of sustainable jobs, including introduction of minimum wages to close the wage gap between the rich and the poor;
- Massive development of the African economy and advocating for a move from reconciliation to justice in the entire continent; and
- Open, accountable, corrupt-free government and society without fear of victimisation by state agencies.
EFF Party said that, should it receive the mandate to govern at a local level, it would go beyond municipal functions, to help all people in need.
“We have fired corrupt mayors, municipal managers, directors; everyone who was involved in wrongdoing. When we take over, we are going to fire more and place municipalities in the hands of capable and qualified officials,” Julius Malema said.
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