“Radical movement towards economic freedom in our lifetime”, that’s the title of the 27-page manifesto of the country’s newest political party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“Radical movement towards economic freedom in our lifetime”, that’s the title of the 27-page manifesto of the country’s newest political party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Its leader is the controversial, expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema.
The manifesto has seven core pillars in which the party outlines its strategy and policy.
Firstly, South Africans can expect full-scale expropriation of land and have their private property rights revoked.
All property will pass to the government for redistribution on 25-year lease agreements.
The EFF propose the nationalisation of banks, mines and all strategic sectors of the economy without any compensation. This will be coupled with building state and government capacity and abolishing tenders.
EFF calls for free quality education and healthcare, housing and sanitation. They want to create millions of sustainable jobs by placing industrial development firmly in the hands of the state.
EFF also hopes to close the wage gap between rich and poor and to promote the careers of black South Africans. Pursuing massive development of the African economy, EFF seeks reconciliation and justice across the continent.
The party maintains that all of this should happen under an open, accountable, corruption-free government and a society without intimidation or victimisation.
Interestingly, Malema is currently facing charges of corruption and fraud and could have his assets auctioned off to collect an outstanding R16 million tax debt.
