News / Africa
Malema's EFF registered, heads for polls
05 Sep 2013 at 12:25hrs | Views
Johannesburg - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has been registered as a political party with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
"The registration of EFF... is a historic moment and the beginning of real radical, militant and [a] decisive political programme, which will lead to real emancipation of the people of South Africa, Africa, and the world," EFF leader Julius Malema said on Thursday.
The approval meant the party would contest the general elections in 2014, and win, said Malema.
"[The] EFF will be contesting elections in order to be government, not in order to be [a] toothless opposition party in various parliaments and legislatures."
"The democratic space is now open for real political and ideological contestation..."
IEC spokesperson Lydia Young confirmed the registration.
"Yes, they have been registered," she said in an e-mail.
Malema said South Africans could now breathe a "sigh of relief" as his "giant movement" was an option.
Other political parties, he claimed, had failed to transform the country.
"The people of Africa should appreciate that now a movement of the people, which will champion the interests of the African people, including through leading an aggressive economic decolonisation programme through massive development and industrialisation, will soon be [the] government of South Africa.
"The oppressed and exploited people of the world should now expect real anti-imperialist actions and political programme, which will practically and programmatically undermine neo-liberalism and global capitalism."
'Military precision'
Malema said the EFF was aware of its obligations and responsibilities and would carry them out with "military precision".
"These are obligations and the responsibility to equally redistribute South Africa and Africa's wealth to the people as a whole," he said.
"Land will be shared equitably among the people, mines will be nationalised, free quality education, healthcare, and sanitation will be provided."
He said the African economy would be developed, South Africa would be industrialised, and corruption would be eliminated under the EFF's rule.
Malema himself faces corruption charges in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court for allegedly making nearly R4m from corrupt activities. He is out on bail of R10 000.
The former ANC Youth League leader promised to never neglect the people on the ground.
"[The] EFF will never neglect the ground and will continue to find expression on the ground with the people and fighting their battles and struggles on a permanent basis."
The party planned to organise sections of the working class into "militant, uncompromising trade unions and workers' movements".
The controversial leader called on "fighters" to be at the forefront of every protest movement in all communities, workplaces, and institutions.
"Victory is certain! No surrender! No retreat!" he said.
"The registration of EFF... is a historic moment and the beginning of real radical, militant and [a] decisive political programme, which will lead to real emancipation of the people of South Africa, Africa, and the world," EFF leader Julius Malema said on Thursday.
The approval meant the party would contest the general elections in 2014, and win, said Malema.
"[The] EFF will be contesting elections in order to be government, not in order to be [a] toothless opposition party in various parliaments and legislatures."
"The democratic space is now open for real political and ideological contestation..."
IEC spokesperson Lydia Young confirmed the registration.
"Yes, they have been registered," she said in an e-mail.
Malema said South Africans could now breathe a "sigh of relief" as his "giant movement" was an option.
Other political parties, he claimed, had failed to transform the country.
"The people of Africa should appreciate that now a movement of the people, which will champion the interests of the African people, including through leading an aggressive economic decolonisation programme through massive development and industrialisation, will soon be [the] government of South Africa.
"The oppressed and exploited people of the world should now expect real anti-imperialist actions and political programme, which will practically and programmatically undermine neo-liberalism and global capitalism."
'Military precision'
Malema said the EFF was aware of its obligations and responsibilities and would carry them out with "military precision".
"These are obligations and the responsibility to equally redistribute South Africa and Africa's wealth to the people as a whole," he said.
"Land will be shared equitably among the people, mines will be nationalised, free quality education, healthcare, and sanitation will be provided."
He said the African economy would be developed, South Africa would be industrialised, and corruption would be eliminated under the EFF's rule.
Malema himself faces corruption charges in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court for allegedly making nearly R4m from corrupt activities. He is out on bail of R10 000.
The former ANC Youth League leader promised to never neglect the people on the ground.
"[The] EFF will never neglect the ground and will continue to find expression on the ground with the people and fighting their battles and struggles on a permanent basis."
The party planned to organise sections of the working class into "militant, uncompromising trade unions and workers' movements".
The controversial leader called on "fighters" to be at the forefront of every protest movement in all communities, workplaces, and institutions.
"Victory is certain! No surrender! No retreat!" he said.
Source - Sapa
