The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) marked their 12th anniversary with a spirited rally in Khayelitsha on Friday, breaking tradition by hosting the celebration in the Western Cape for the first time.
A massive dome erected for the occasion drew thousands of red-clad supporters, highlighting the party’s effort to make inroads in a province where it has historically struggled.
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According to University of Johannesburg political analyst Theo Venter, the choice of Khayelitsha is both bold and telling.
“It’s significant because they moved from the Eastern Cape to Khayelitsha to host their anniversary,” said Venter. “That signals an intention to make inroads in the Western Cape, but at the same time, they’ve been starved of media attention by the rise of the MK Party, which has essentially bumped them out of the spotlight.”
Internal Shifts Reflect a Changing Strategy
Beyond the location, this year’s rally underscores a deeper transformation within the EFF. The party is navigating a period of introspection and adjustment, following the quiet exits of two prominent figures: deputy president Floyd Shivambu and spokesperson Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.
Venter believes these changes hint at a more structured, pragmatic political approach, especially in parliamentary participation.
“Julius Malema is trying his level best to change the way the EFF operates. In the past, they were absent from the working parts of Parliament, like subcommittees. This year, they’re actively participating. So there’s definitely a change in approach.”
While these moves signal growth, they also suggest a potential identity shift for a party known for its combative style and fiery rhetoric.
Challenges in the Western Cape and Beyond
Despite the anniversary fanfare, the EFF faces stiff competition in the Western Cape — a province dominated by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and increasingly influenced by the Patriotic Alliance (PA). According to Venter, breaking through remains a formidable challenge.
“The Western Cape is not only a DA stronghold — it’s also a growing area for the PA. In that context, the EFF comes a bad third or fourth.”
He adds that symbolic gestures, like staging rallies, may not be enough to establish a lasting presence in the province.
“Both the EFF and the ANC are struggling to get a foothold in this province. The political conditions and the demographics make it extremely difficult.”
Nationally, the EFF’s influence remains significant, particularly in rural and impoverished areas where its messaging resonates deeply. Yet, questions persist about the sustainability of its leadership and tactics.
“They took over where the ANC Youth League left off. They brought the plight of the poorest of the poor to the forefront of national debate, but the leadership style of Julius Malema, while central to the EFF’s identity, is also the party’s greatest weakness,” Venter concluded.
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