In South Africa, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the country’s third-largest political party, has announced a boycott of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming annual speech to Parliament. This decision comes in the wake of the suspension of its leader, Julius Malema, and five other senior party officials for their disruptive actions during last year’s address.
The EFF, known for its radical leftist stance and advocacy for poor Black South Africans, has criticized the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for failing to address the country’s deep-seated issues after three decades in power. With national elections looming, the ANC faces the unprecedented threat of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. Polls suggest that the ANC’s share of the vote could fall below 50%, signaling a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape.
Malema banned from attending State of the Nation speech
Julius Malema, along with deputy leader Floyd Shivambu and four other EFF officials, were barred from Parliament until the end of the month following their attempt to rush the stage during Ramaphosa’s speech last year, demanding his resignation. Their suspension has only heightened the stakes ahead of the elections, where the EFF aims to build on its momentum from the 2019 general election, where it was the only one of the three largest parties to increase its share of the vote.
The EFF’s platform, which includes controversial policies like the expropriation of underused land without compensation and the nationalization of mines and banks, continues to court both support and controversy. Meanwhile, South Africa grapples with pressing issues such as a shockingly high unemployment rate, a struggling economy, and an ongoing electricity supply crisis that has led to widespread power blackouts.
President Ramaphosa is expected to defend the ANC’s record and outline his vision for the country in his State of the Nation Address.
