Julius Malema Sets His Sights On KwaZulu-Natal: The EFF's Bold Move

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, is eyeing a stronger foothold in KwaZulu-Natal.
The EFF plans to deploy additional leaders to boost the party's presence in KZN following a lackluster election performance.
With former deputy secretary-general Poppy Moiloa leading the charge, South Africans wonder if the EFF can make meaningful progress in the province.

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has spent over seven years covering policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, the State of the Nation Address, parliamentary sessions, and election news for outlets like Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

Julius Malema is gearing up for an ambitious campaign in KZN. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

LIMPOPO — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has announced a strategic move to strengthen its presence in KwaZulu-Natal by appointing former deputy secretary-general Poppy Moiloa as the provincial convener. This decision comes after the party's underwhelming performance in the 2024 general elections, where it struggled to maintain its previous voter base in the province.

EFF Targets KZN for a Comeback

During a press briefing on February 3, 2025, EFF president Julius Malema revealed that the party is deploying not just one but 11 additional leaders to KwaZulu-Natal. The goal? To turn the tide after a disappointing showing in the last election cycle. Malema expressed unwavering confidence in the new leadership team, emphasizing their ability to reconnect with voters and rebuild the party's influence in the region. In the 2024 elections, the EFF managed only 2.56% of the vote in KZN, a sharp decline from the 9.96% it secured in 2019. Malema believes this new strategy will help the party regain lost ground and restore its relevance in the province.

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What You Need to Know About the EFF

Julius Malema recently called for the withdrawal of South African National Defence Force soldiers stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a move that surprisingly garnered support from Helen Zille.
Malema has been vocal in his support for the Expropriation Act, pledging to defend it against potential legal challenges from right-wing groups like the Freedom Front Plus. Despite this, the EFF joined forces with the MK Party and the Democratic Alliance to oppose the signing of the bill into law.

The EFF is doubling down on its efforts in KZN. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP via Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

South Africans Weigh In

The announcement of the EFF's new strategy has sparked a lively debate on social media, particularly on Facebook, where users shared their thoughts.

Thabo Byron Monama voiced concerns, stating:

"You focus on KZN and other provinces will also decline because there are no boots on the ground. Fighting a losing battle."

Isaac Kegaogetswe Mokganyetsi offered a different perspective:

"He doesn't have to deploy leaders to KZN. The people on the ground know their leaders. Fighters on the ground in KZN must do the job."

Zamokuhle Mkhize expressed skepticism:

"None of his ideologies resonate or align with the people of KZN. He should shift his focus elsewhere."

Carl Taylor criticized the party's approach:

"Still babbling and causing division in government."

Vuma Nqetho delivered a blunt assessment:

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"Dead party. This party won't survive 2026 in KZN."

Malema Defends Land Expropriation Amid Trump's Threats

In a related development, Briefly News reported that Malema stood firm in defending the government's land expropriation policies, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut funding to South Africa over alleged human rights violations. Malema reiterated the government's commitment to proceeding with expropriation without compensation, dismissing Trump's threats as mere rhetoric. He argued that South Africa's reliance on foreign aid and investment compromises its sovereignty, warning against surrendering to imperialist forces. Malema's stance underscores the EFF's commitment to radical economic transformation, a key pillar of its political agenda.