IN this question-and-answer interview, The Free Stater Editor Darlington Majonga engages Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Free State Chairperson Mapheule Liphoko to delve into the current state and future of the party in the province. The discussion comes at a critical juncture, following a series of high-profile defections that have raised questions about the EFF’s stability and strategic direction. Most notably, the departure of former national chairperson Dali Mpofu has sent ripples throughout the political landscape, leaving many to speculate on the party’s internal dynamics and resilience. In this candid conversation, Liphoko addresses these concerns, outlines the EFF’s plans for rebuilding trust and unity, and shares his vision for the party’s role in shaping the Free State’s political future. Excerpts:
Q: Following the recent high-profile defection of Advocate Dali Mpofu, how concerned is the EFF Free State about the possibility of further defections, particularly among key leaders and members?
A: As EFF Free State, we are really not concerned about the defections. In fact, in the whole province we can count four leaders in Thabo Mofutsanyana that have defected. Beyond that, we went on a ‘recruitment and renewal’ process before launching our branches . . . Our organisation is intact and most branches have elected delegates to participate in the national elective assembly. So, we are not worried at all.
Q: Are there any indications that other prominent figures within the EFF Free State might consider leaving the party, and what steps are being taken to address their concerns and keep them engaged?
A: There are no indications that prominent EFF figures might leave. We, however, must speak against enemy agents who label some leaders as people who might soon defect to the MK (uMkhonto weSizwe) party as a divisive strategy. We must reiterate that we trust all leaders that we are serving with and we have seen them working tirelessly on the ground during the ‘recruitment and renewal’ phase. We remain a democratic party that relies on the leadership collective for strategic resolutions. As such, no one has indicated that they feel left out.
Q: How would you describe the level of unity within the EFF Free State at present?
A: We are extremely united, with our differing views on different societal and political matters. As EFF Free State, we embrace these differing views because that’s the reason we arrive at highly scrutinised resolutions. This should not be confused as factions or disunity. We remain united behind our national leadership and the banner of economic freedom.
Q: Are there active efforts to ensure cohesion and solidarity among members in light of external pressures and competition from parties such as uMkhonto weSizwe?
A: Our programme of action (POA) always unites us. We have realised that idling is a serious contributor to disunity and we encourage branches to have POAs and keep busy. Other than that, we have no reason to be worried about pressures from other political parties. We are minding our business and oiling our own machinery for 2026.
Q: Is the EFF Free State still fully committed to rallying behind Julius Malema as the leader of the party, despite the recent setbacks and defections?
A: Most certainly! We will defend our CIC (commander-in-chief) and president as a leader in advancing our generational mission, at all material times.
Q: Have the recent developments raised any internal debate about the party’s leadership or strategic direction under Malema and, if so, how is this being managed?
A: Every organisation engages on a leadership question towards an elective assembly or conference. As the EFF, we are busy lobbying each other – from branches, regions and even other provinces – regarding our preferred leadership collective. I’m sure you will appreciate that this an internal process that we do not want interfered with by our detractors like it is the case in many organisations. And this is the best part about the very EFF that many would like to paint as an organisation led by a dictator. We convene elective assemblies to elect our preferred leadership.
Q: What is the EFF Free State’s strategy to reassure members of its vision and ability to effect change, given the current challenges facing the party?
A: A week ago, we were concluding a phase of branch assemblies – where leadership meet branches and engage on internal meters, including election of branch leaders and their representatives towards the national elective assembly. As such, we are in constant interaction with branches and ordinary members of our organisation to update them and source mandate on a myriad of issues, including governance. So, if there were serious challenges facing the party, we would have picked them up at that level. As such, the Free State is free from any immediate external or internal thread.
Q: Or put differently, with growing competition from MK and other parties, how does the EFF Free State plan to retain its existing base and attract new members who might be lured by alternative movements?
A: We consistently encourage our councillors and branch leadership to convene community meetings where social and political matters directly affecting our communities are raised. As such, community members who are potential EFF members get to interact with the EFF directly – in activities such as ‘red’ Fridays, Andries Tatane cleaning campaigns and marches which are biased towards community issues. You would remember a recent successful opening of a case against the Premier, marching towards the Premier’s office over allegations of fraud and corruption. Oversight on many other issues done by our public representatives. We believe that we are 10 steps ahead of other political parties because most are playing desktop or elite politics.