Julius Malema was re-elected unopposed as leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at the party’s second elective conference in Johannesburg yesterday. His deputy, Floyd Shivambu, was also elected unopposed.
However, no other members of the party’s top six retained their posts. Marshall Dlamini, a Member of Parliament and head of a party security unit called the ‘Defenders of the Revolution’, was elected secretary-general. Poppy Mailola was elected as his deputy, with Veronica Mente being elected as national chairperson. Omphile Paotwe is the new treasurer general.
Dali Mpofu had been expected to campaign for Shivambu’s post, but his attempt seems to have fallen flat, as did that of Mandisa Mashego, who had aimed for the position of secretary-general.
Bizarre footage also emerged on social media of delegates to the conference going on their knees and singing songs of praise to Malema, who has denied that he is running a cult.