The Mpumalanga EFF’s leader, Collen Sedibe, has asked party members to remain disciplined and united ahead of the Provincial People’s Assembly (PPA) scheduled for this weekend at the Nutting House Lodge.
Addressing members of the provincial command team (PCT) during their last official meeting on Saturday, Sedibe commended them for helping to grow the organisation’s numbers.
Under Sedibe’s leadership, the Mpumalanga EFF has seen a steady growth, moving from being the third to the second biggest party in the Provincial Legislature.
They also performed exceptionally during the 2021 local government elections, when they attained several seats in municipalities.
“As we get ready for the PPA, we must engage and exchange views and ideas, but it is important that we refrain from insulting one another in the process. We must approach and do things with the spirit of unity that is aimed at further growing the organisation rather than crippling it,” said Sedibe.
He thanked the PCT members for remaining disciplined throughout their tenure.
“I would personally like to commend the work and role that you have played throughout this tenure. I want to commend EFF’s Ntsako Mkhabela, Sam Zandamela, Collen Sedibe and convener, Dr Susan Thembekwayo. you for ensuring that we make the EFF alive and present in every comer of the province. The road was not an easy one as it was bumpy and full of challenges, but I am happy that this collective is the one that took the EFF to the second spot in the Legislature,” he said.
However, he also acknowledged that there were hiccups and ill discipline here and there, but called on all party members to unite and fix all the “loose bolts” going to the 2024 general elections.
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“It is important to also do a self introspection and ask ourselves important questions, such as what is my contribution to the organisation, and not what the organisation can do for me?
“Are we still serving the interest of the organisation, or our own? It is important that we do this, because the EFF needs leaders who are loyal, who cannot be pushed and reminded what to do. It is also important that we must assess ourselves so that when we accept nominations, we know the responsibilities that come with being elected to positions of power. You know, we’ve had PCT members in the past that we deployed in various portfolios, but who did not honour their deployments,” said Sedibe.
He also spoke against the culture of gossiping, arguing that true leaders do not gossip but tackles issues openly and head-on.
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“The mistake we make is to talk in corners and corridors rather than addressing the matters head-on. Members who gossip are not leaders and are not worthy of leading our organisation and people,” he concluded.