Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa release “manifesto”

The ex ANC youth leader Julius Malema’s new political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, have released what they refer to as a “manifesto” to outline the party’s goals, and this has not gone down well with the South African government – understandably so, when most of the goals feature along the lines of “economically emancipating the people of South Africa, Africa and the world”.

The EFF’s inclusion of state seizure of assets in its manifesto has also riled farmers and the government, with Agriculture Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, moving to reassure farmers by saying that government would not allow “people to sow discord in our farming communities for party-political gains.” The government has said it would take action of any instances of land grabbing are witnessed, especially after the problems in the mining sector this year. Whether Malema’s party will get public support to give him enough political clout to implement the EFF’s national agenda is yet to be seen. While political analysts doubt the ability of new parties to garner significant support, growing disenchantment with the economy and corruption scandals have diminished the ANC’s historical glow, other parties are becoming a temptation to ANC constituents.


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