Too often the EFF puts the fight into its name, but not the freedom

Given that Julius Malema’s initial ascent to power – all those years ago in the ANC Youth League – was accompanied by violence and allegations of gerrymandering of votes and intimidation, it comes as no surprise to see the latest shenanigans in the party in Pretoria yesterday.

His Economic Freedom Fighters party often seems to be placing most emphasis on the fighting aspect of its name, rather than the freedom one … especially the freedom of ordinary members to disagree with the hierarchy.

Since its formation, the EFF has seen several serious disagreements within its ranks, with people leaving and even being removed as MPs. Prominent among those was Andile Mngxitama, who was expelled from the party after butting heads with Malema.

Quite why the party should be wracked by conflict at this stage is not clear – although now that the EFF has started proving itself a serious political player (even seeming to be pulling along the ANC in the land debate) perhaps the members can smell power.

And the temptation of power – with the attendant trappings thart have become so obvious in post-1994 South Africa – can bring out the worst in people.

This is especially true in South Africa, where the majority of officials of political parties have only their loyalty and ruthlessness to recommend them in the job market.

Perhaps now that the ANC under Cyril Ramaphosa is finally moving on the land question – whether in response to EFF prodding or not – Malema’s party is being exposed as having little in the way of real, long-term ideas.

Some of the EFF’s utterances on land have been nonsensical and Malema has been reduced to the level of personal insults in trying to score points against Ramaphosa.

The violence yesterday will have hurt the party’s image and Malema needs to do something.

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