Leader of South Africa’s second opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), on Sunday criticised his own party in the Eastern Cape province for its failure to elect a single woman among its top ranks.
EFF leader Julius Malema, speaking at the closing of the party’s Eastern Cape People’s Assembly, criticised the Eastern Cape party delegates for the lack of women representation among the newly-elected office bearers who were all men, saying this did hot auger well for the party’s future.
Pointing out to the party’s provincial leadership which has eight men in its ranks, Malema said women also deserved to be represented in leadership positions in the party.
He also warned party members against factionalism, and told them that the EFF was looking for more than the 155,000 votes it received during the previous election when South Africans go to the polls again in 2024.
Malema singled out the new provincial secretary, Simthembile Madikizela, saying that his position was the engine of the party in the province.
The provincial leadership would be held to account if they did not increase support at the forthcoming polls in two years, Malema added.
“Your judgment is on retaining this number — increasing it or even doubling it — and taking over the Eastern Cape province leadership,” the EFF leader said.
Zilindile Vena was elected as the new EFF provincial chairperson, replacing Yazini Thetyana, who occupied the position in the past five years.
Mlamli Makhetha was elected as his deputy chairperson.
NM/as/APA