The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President, Floyd Shivambu, has emphasized that their focus is on building a consensus among progressive parties to constitute a stable government, rather than on who will occupy which positions.
Speaking on SABC News, Shivambu acknowledged that the ANC has been engaging with various parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), but the EFF has presented a framework for co-government based on clear principles to address issues such as redress, free education, the land question, and economic transformation.
According to Shivambu, the EFF is not desperate to be part of the government, and it will not compromise its principles just to occupy positions. Shivambu stated that the EFF was willing to work with the ANC if it aligned with their principles, but if the ANC chose to work with the right-wing DA, the EFF would deal with such a government from the opposition benches in Parliament.
Shivambu also addressed the EFF’s past cooperation with the ANC at the local government level, stating that it was a strategic decision to vote the ANC out of power in certain municipalities in order to compete on the basis of principles without the control of state resources. He acknowledged that the ANC is not a homogeneous organization, with different factions pursuing different interests, and the EFF engages with the ANC accordingly.
On whether he will contest for Presidential seat at the EFF’s upcoming National People’s Assembly, Shivambu dismissed any discussions about the party’s leadership, stating that the current leadership, including the current Party President, Julius Malema, is leading the party effectively.
He emphasized that the EFF’s focus remained on the possibility of forming a government or continuing as an effective opposition that advocates for the interests of the South African people.