Intense lobbying is underway within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as the party prepares for its third national people’s assembly (NPA) scheduled for December 12-15.
While party leader Julius Malema is expected to be re-elected unopposed, the race for the deputy president position is proving to be fiercely contested, with several senior leaders vying for the crucial role. All top six positions within the party are up for grabs.
The main contenders for the deputy president position which was until recently held by Floyd Shivambu, include former secretary-general Godrich Gardee, former spokespersons Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Vuyani Pambo. However, Gardee and Pambo, representing a dominant faction within the party, are considered the frontrunners. Initial suggestions to elevate current EFF head office boss Marshall Dlamini to the deputy president position have largely been abandoned within this faction.
The NPA will not only focus on leadership elections but also serve as a crucial policy conference to shape the EFF's future direction. This has led some party members to use the release of discussion documents on policy proposals as a reason to avoid commenting publicly on the leadership contest. Despite this, informal lobbying groups, particularly in Gauteng, are actively campaigning for their preferred candidates.
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi's chances of becoming Malema's deputy appear to be diminishing. Critics argue that his ambition might overshadow Malema's leadership.
"That position does not need someone who will seek to outshine and replace the master; it would be a disaster. The position needs someone mature who will complement [Malema] and be his support structure," explained an EFF leader supporting Gardee.
There have been calls for Ndlozi to instead challenge Marshall Dlamini for the secretary-general position, a role Malema seems to favour, hinting at this publicly when questioned.
Godrich Gardee's supporters highlight his extensive experience, age, and political longevity, including his previous role as EFF secretary-general. They believe he would bring "respectability" to the position and the national officials at large, noting that Malema also holds him in high regard.
However, a younger faction within the EFF is pushing for a generational shift in the party's top leadership. They see Vuyani Pambo, currently the head of the EFF presidency, as the ideal candidate, representing their generation. Pambo's support is reportedly gaining momentum in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, with key figures like Gauteng provincial secretary Moshe Koma and Mpumalanga provincial chair Collen Sedibe seen as close allies.
"Obviously for now we are seized with the process of the discussion documents for the NPA because that will not be a gathering just to elect leaders, but an important policy conference as well to shape the EFF policy," stated a high-ranking EFF leader.
"But the conversation on leadership cannot be avoided. The issue of deputy president is a raging debate; others are saying it must be closed. Others are saying let us put a young person, while others are saying it needs senior, tried-and-tested fighters. Among the young people, who are the people who are prominent and who can articulate our position? The feeling is that Vuyani [Pambo] fits that description.”
However, concerns have been raised about the potential for elevating Pambo, at 35, prematurely. Some argue that he could progress through the ranks, potentially serving as deputy secretary-general before ascending to higher office in the future.
"The young ones are insistent that Pambo must go in but we do not think it is the right time because we need to build layers," said an EFF leader.
"Look at the chaos of the last ANC national conference where (Ronald) Lamola and the likes were contesting their seniors; that short one of Ekurhuleni (Mzwandile Masina) and Pule (Mabe) were also contesting for treasurer-general. Why would they do that? Bayibonile ukuthi ilahlile lento (they realised it was open season). The EFF does not need an uncontrolled generational mix; there is cognisance here of who is the best,” the leader concluded.
