EFF says 'there's nothing that has improved' under GNU, which is a govt of convenience
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
FILE: Newly sworn-in Cabinet ministers pose for a photo with Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and President Cyril Ramaphosa on 3 July 2024. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) say the Government of National Unity (GNU) has been a partnership of convenience and has failed, as the multi-party coalition enters a year since its establishment. This weekend marks a year since the GNU's statement of intent was signed by 10 parties to form the new government arrangement.
While some consider the last 12 months year as being relatively stable, parties like the EFF are not happy with its performance, citing poor economic growth, growing unemployment and the delays in passing the recent budget.
ALSO READ:
• DA's Steenhuisen admits being in govt harder in reality than it appears from opposition benches
• Steenhuisen says biggest surprise of past year is how well GNU partners stuck together
• GNU at 1: Analysts believe not enough has been done to transcend party lines
The GNU was formed in June last year after the May general election could not find a clear majority winner. The GNU, while still intact, has seen clashes over government policies like BBBEE and the Expropriation Act and the parties have still found no consensus with legal challenges before the courts. The EFF, which is not part of the GNU, said that the coalition of unlikely partners had been nothing but a series of failures. Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo: "Unemployment has increased, economic growth has stagnated - just now in the first quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 0.1% - there was a loss of 291,000 jobs and crimes statistics are continuously going up. So, there's nothing that has improved under the GNU government." He said that the recently passed budget, which was delayed by months due to disagreements over a value-added tax (VAT) and fuel levy increase, illustrated that it was nothing but a "government of convenience".
"And the EFF is vindicated for that, and hopefully the people of South Africa will remember."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen received best haul of gifts, Parliament register reveals
Each year Parliament puts out a Register of Members' Interests that never fails to provide entertaining and elucidating reading. It is more than 600 pages, so here are a few tidbits. Stuffed animals, 48 bottles of fine wine, a leather hat and shotgun cartridge case, biltong, a fieldbar cooler, four Nguni hides, a windbreaker, a mohair jersey and a beekeeping suit and instruction manual. This, you might think, sounds like the beginning of a potential wild night out foraging for honey while taunting killer bees in Constantia with either a taxidermied dassie, or a plushy penguin, depending on your interpretation of 'stuffed' animal. These are just a few of the cool gifts DA leader and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has scored so far since the Government of National Unity (GNU) kicked itself into life in 2024. Agrilove Steenhuisen experienced first hand the hospitality of the agricultural sector, which showered him with the abovementioned gifts. There are others including 'a tartan wool tie' from the UK Minister of Trade and Industry, and which we look forward to seeing the minister wear. Then there is an Ostrich RSA flag and various plumes 'for display in his office in Pretoria' — a very queer-eye-for-ministerial-decor moment. And the least appealing of the lot, 'a breakfast display/various cereals of unknown value from PepsiCo'. Steenhuisen pointed out that this was for the office, probably somewhere in a corner, maybe there by the photocopier. Added to this were 'various Macadamia products' and 'ostrich meat'. With regard to Steenhuisen's shares and other interests he ticked 'nothing to declare', said he did not perform paid work outside Parliament and had no sponsorships. He declared a townhouse of 112 square metres in Sea Point. The minister got to travel to Uganda, sponsored by the African Union, and caught a plane to bucket-list Bothaville, sponsored by GrainSA. Blues for Carl EFF MP Carl Niehaus, on the other hand, had absolutely 'nothing to declare' apart from his political genius (with apologies to Oscar Wilde). As an ordinary party-hopping MP the gift train seems to have passed him by. Niehaus, notorious for his fancy financial footwork, informed Parliament that at this point in time he had no land, property, shares or other financial interests, no work outside Parliament, no directorships or partnerships, no sponsorships, no gifts whatsoever, no travel, nada. No trusts, no income-generating assets. He lived in a rented 100 square metre apartment in Gauteng, and the only 'retainership' he mentioned was a 'public relations and media consultancy in his personal capacity'. 'Reputation in tatters?' 'Call Carl', 'Carl Niehaus' — (just a suggestion, take it or leave it). Commander-in-Chief EFF leader Julius Malema has had years of experience handling money, so one would expect astute future squirrelling. He had nothing to disclose in the category of shares and other interests, but did mention his listing as a director of Mgagao Shamba PTY, 'which is involved in farming, events, and sales activities'. 'Farming events' of course is open to interpretation, probably in the new Land Court later in the year. Malema declared no sponsorships but fessed up to a bottle of wine and Lindt Lindor chocolates, a gift from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Perhaps Steenhuisen and Malema can arrange an evening of competitive wine tasting as a toenadering (rapprochement in Fringlish). The BaPedi Queen, Leganabatho 11 Manyaku Thulare, gifted the commander-in-chief two live sheep, which were valued at R7,000, said Malema. He also owned no land, no property and no rented property. He remained a beneficiary of the famous Ratanang Family Trust and was a trustee and beneficiary of the Munzhedzi Family Trust, along with Mantoa Matlala, Ratanang Malema, Munzhedzi Malema and Kopano Malema. The leader noted he was also a trustee of the Kopano Charity Trust, a trustee and beneficiary of the Mazimbu Investments Trust, alongside Mantoa Matlala, Ratanang Malema, Munzhedzi Malema, and Kopano Malema. MK finances Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma and now an MP in his family project and the country's official opposition, the uMkhonto Wesiswe (MK) party, is as asset-free as her father, it seems. She had zilch shares or financial interests to declare and said she received no remuneration for work outside Parliament (this she does for free on social media). She has no directorships, partnerships, consultancies or retainerships. Zuma-Sambudla received no gifts (counting out the removal of Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general of the party), no loans and had no land or property to declare apart from a 60 square metre rented property in Cape Town's Waterfront. Over and above this, there are no trusts in her name. Former Transnet executive and MK MPs Brian Molefe, who handed himself over alongside Siyabonga Gama to the Investigating Directorate for Corruption (Idac) in June, had little to declare other than their upcoming fraud matter. Molefe declared 100 ordinary shares of nominal value in Karibu Farming PTY (Ltd) with no land or trust or sponsorships or gifts (those are in the charge sheet). Former Prasa Ceo Lucky Montana, also an MK MP, declared a directorship in the Montana Strategy Group involved in 'strategy development, consulting and advisory services but dormant since establishment'. Under 'Benefits and Interest Free Loans', Montana listed Midtownbrace (PTY) LTD 'investment into joint venture agreement for property development'. Mmusi Maimane's smarts Build One South Africa (Bosa) party leader Mmusi Aloysias Maimane appears to be more astute about planning for the future. He declared shares in two companies, 100 ordinary shares in Bokamoso PTY LTD, with the 'nominal value of R100' and described as 'consulting and trading'. He also declared 40 shares with a nominal value of R40 in Black Shots. With regard to work outside Parliament, Maimane said he had resigned from 'Phangela Security'. Directorships and partnerships declared were: Equanimity Wealth in the business of 'consulting and catering', the New Africa Foundation of which he is the chair, Bosa NPC, categorised as 'political work', and the MPO One South Africa movement. Under consultancies and retainerships, Maimane wrote that he provided 'security' consulting to 'Phangela to Bokamoso'. The swings and roundabouts of consulting, they say. Maimane declared no gifts, no travel or sponsorships. Property assets were disclosed as a residential home in Roodepoort with an estimated size of 1,000 square metres. (Take that, Carl.) The Bosa leader listed his involvement with the Kgalaletso Kgosi Trust, with beneficiaries being Kgalaletso, Natalie, Kgosi and Kutlwano Maimane. From the arms of Papa Former convicted bank robber turned politician and now Minister of Sport and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, of the Patriotic Alliance, is involved in more than 28 companies, either as a director or in partnership. He declared no shares or other financial interests or work outside of Parliament, but it is clear McKenzie has been building a nest egg since his release. Directorships and partnerships (since deregistered) in which McKenzie had a stake include logistics, media, mining and exploration, film and television, a micro brewery, a record label, health and wellness, night clubs and entertainment and liquid gas distribution. The companies listed by the PA leader were: Amantenda 523, Lexshell 138 (General Trading), Raystar Productions (film and TV), Gas Afrique (investments), Afrobrew Beverages (micro brewery), G Gas (LPG distribution) Dirbyn Utilities (general trading), Gayton McKenzie (general trading), African Australian Minerals and Energy (mining and exploration), Dirbyn Investment Holdings (investment), Daringo Trading 213 (general trading), Taboo Trading 189 (nightclub and entertainment), Megafone Telecoms (ICT), Halowiz Investments (investments), ZAR Productions (film and television), Dream Weaver Trading 445 (general trading), Dirbyn Publications (media), Gayton McKenzie Distributions (general trading), Tobiwell (health and wellness), Talirex (general trading), NSO What Trading (film and television), Nu Money Records (record label), Black Solar (solar trading), Damash Minerals (mining and exploration), Portkey SA (logistics), Hustlers Empire (investment holdings), Science Fixing (mining consultancy). McKenzie also listed the Patriotic Alliance under this heading. The register noted under 'Gifts and Hospitality' that McKenzie is mentioned as the source of a gift of 'Soweto Derby Soccer tickets' of unknown value to Ms Nonceba Bianca Mhlauli, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency. However, in his own declaration, he had nothing to disclose in this category. McKenzie declared no land or property and no trusts. Rise Mzansi Songezo Siphiwo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi and currently chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Accounts, was a former associate editor of the Financial Mail and former editor of Business Day. It comes as no surprise that he is familiar with the financial markets and foresees old age and retirement. It also makes him a perfect chairperson for the Standing Committee on Public Accounts as the man is financially literate. (Feel free to absorb any financial tips here.) Zibi listed shares and other financial interests in Absa Group Limited: 7,000 ordinary shares valued at R1.1-million; Investec Bank Limited: 3,050 ordinary shares, valued at R410,000; Shoprite Limited: 1,300 ordinary shares, valued at R377,000; Sibanye Stillwater: 1,000 ordinary shares, valued at R17,700; MTN Group: 1,300 ordinary shares, valued at R122,000; Ninety One Limited: 1,488 ordinary listed shares worth R65,400. Zibi had 'nothing to disclose' under the rest of the headings.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Trending EFF: What we got right during the past 12 years of our existence
EFF says the 12th Anniversary in Khayelitsha is a Festival of the Poor, celebrating resilience, grassroots power, and the ongoing fight against poverty, spatial apartheid, and economic injustice. Image: EFF/ X The EFF's birthday bash at the weekend got the X community and members buzzing over the party's successes over the past 12 years @SewelaNkoana This picture warms my heart, CIC and 2 hard-working councilors who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities. @Sinawo_Tambo Spot the chap who ate the cows of Mkhwanazi. . . @DjSbu Blessed Birthday. #EFFTurns12 @Oriana _RSA Lord CIC Julius Malema. #EFFTurns12 @ChrisExel102i Some were all eyes and ears to see the EFF's 12th Anniversary Celebration fail. And as usual the opposite is true. Viva EFF. @Ali-Naka Happy birthday to the People's Movement. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ @Aubrey_Senyolo No EFF Member will pass without dropping a LIKE and COMMENT Happy Birthday EFF. @TumiSole 'Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.' – Proverbs 22:6 Thank you @EFFSouthAfrica @KimHeller3 By far the most powerful picture from the #EFFTurns12 celebrations today A safe playground for children during the rally. The future is in good hands – happy birthday EFF @Ndi_Muvenda_ We have been serving this organisation on the ground, time to take it to socials now. @OmphileMaotwe Happy Birthday EFF.' @ApostleDeza Thank you to the ground forces of the Western Cape for coming out in your numbers to celebrate #EFFTurns12 with us. You have affirmed that the EFF is alive and thriving in the Western Cape! DAILY NEWS
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Malema takes aim at DA's WC governance during anniversary celebrations
Economic Freedom Fighters founder and president Julius Malema gives his speech at the party's 12th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. Thousands of supporters filled the dome, which holds 10,000 people, demonstrating the massive turnout for the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the DA, the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of protecting white privilege and sustaining inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives. Cape Times
