Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has vowed to restore the party’s dominance in KwaZulu-Natal following its devastating defeat by the MK Party. Speaking during the funeral of Mongezi Twala’s mother, Mama Twala, in Newcastle on Sunday, Malema addressed mourners and dignitaries from across the political spectrum, including leaders from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC).
Malema paid tribute to Mama Twala, lauding her for raising a son who had become a key pillar in the EFF’s efforts in the province. “Though we did not know Mama Twala personally, we know her through the son she shaped—Comrade Mongezi, a product of her hard work,” Malema said. “As she reaches her final resting place, we say, ‘Rest well, Mama, you have done your work.'”
Malema also seized the opportunity to reflect on the party’s poor performance in the May 29 general elections. The EFF, which once enjoyed a 10% share of the vote in KwaZulu-Natal, saw its support dwindle to a mere 2%. The party’s leadership arrived in the province on Friday for a fact-finding mission to understand the reasons behind this steep decline.
According to Malema, the rise of the Zuma-led MK Party in the region had taken everyone by surprise. “Our mother passed at a time when we were still seeking answers for our performance here in KZN. The MK Party was like a ruthless tsunami. Comrade Mongezi bravely stood at the centre of that storm,” he said. “The truth is, the old man from Nkandla [Jacob Zuma, the MK Party’s founder] shocked us all. But let me tell you, we won’t allow ourselves to be shocked again.”
With renewed determination, Malema promised to rebuild the EFF in KwaZulu-Natal, declaring that Mongezi Twala would be crucial to the party’s revival in the region. “We’ll return to the battlefield with your soldier, and we’ll regain our strength,” he said, to the applause of those present. Though acknowledging Twala’s grief, Malema told him that he was expected back on the front lines soon. “A leader is allowed to mourn, but then we must carry on with the struggle,” he said.
Malema then turned his attention to the government of national unity (GNU), dismissing it as a mere “coalition between the ANC and DA.” He emphasized that black unity was essential to preserving the achievements of South Africa’s 1994 transition to democracy, but argued that this could not happen under the leadership of Zuma. “What does the old man have to offer the future? Black unity must be led by the youth, like Mongezi, who belong to solid organizations with solid policies,” he added, taking a thinly veiled swipe at the MK Party’s policies.
In a reference to recent political turmoil within the EFF, Malema urged Twala’s family not to allow detractors to sow division. His comments come on the heels of EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the party. Shivambu, who co-founded the EFF with Malema, shocked many by defecting to the MK Party, where he now serves as national organizer.
Despite these setbacks, Malema remains resolute in his efforts to rebuild the EFF and reclaim its influence in KwaZulu-Natal. As the political landscape continues to shift, Malema’s words mark a commitment to ensuring the EFF is prepared for future challenges.
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Source: TimesLIVE
