EFF sparks debate over its feminist identity

A tweet recently sent out by EFF MP and #FeesMustFall activist Naledi Chirwa has sparked debate over the party’s feminist identity.

In her tweet, Chirwa referenced a quote which she attributed to the party’s deputy president and the quote reads as follows: “The EFF is a feminist organisation and we are unapologetic about that.”

Numerous Twitter users, like pan-African feminist author and professor Pumla Dineo Gqola, then directly challenged Chirwa in conversation or shared their thoughts regarding her (and Shivambu’s) claims.

Various arguments were raised including the current gender split amongst EFF leadership, the party’s past treatment of female journalists and other previous acts that may not be considered feminist.

There was also a strong rejection of the idea of feminism from staunch EFF supporters who labelled it a “white creation” and a “tool to hate poor black men”.

According to Chirwa and her ilk, those who do not believe the EFF is a feminist organisation only have themselves to blame for that perception.

Apart from a few tweets by the party’s leader Julius Malema, the party’s leadership has remained mum on the debate about their feminist identity.

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