Meanwhile, Marshall Dlamini was re-elected as the EFF’s secretary-general.
Godrich Gardee has been elected as the new deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), while Julius Malema secured his position as the party’s president for a third consecutive term.
The leadership elections took place on Saturday during the EFF’s National People’s Assembly (NPA), where all positions were filled unopposed following the nomination process.
Gardee bags EFF deputy president post
Gardee, the party’s former secretary-general and a close ally of Malema, was the only candidate whose nomination faced competition.
A delegate from Mpumalanga, Esther Molepo, nominated herself for the deputy president role, but failed to meet the required threshold for candidacy.
The Citizen understands that a group within the EFF had hoped to see Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a prominent party leader and former spokesperson, contest the position.
ALSO READ: EFF members call on Malema to protect the red berets from MK party
However, Ndlozi’s reported fallout with Malema derailed any potential challenge.
Political analysts suggest that the departure of Floyd Shivambu, who is now the secretary-general of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, and other senior party leaders may have deepened Malema’s trust issues within the party’s leadership structures.
Simultaneously, Gardee’s competence for his new role as the second-in-command has been questioned in some quarters.
Watch the video below:
♦️Must Watch♦️
Fighter Godrich Gardee has been nominated for the position of Deputy President.
He has accepted the nomination and reached threshold.#EFFNPA2024 pic.twitter.com/O6xxZrNo5w
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 14, 2024
Marshall Dlamini, Leigh-Ann Mathys, and Other Key Positions
Marshall Dlamini was re-elected as the EFF’s secretary-general, with Leigh-Ann Mathys retaining her role as deputy secretary-general.
Omphile Maotwe also secured another term as treasurer-general.
Nontando Nolutshungu emerged as the new national chairperson, replacing Veronica Mente.
READ MORE: Malema slams politicians exploiting ‘blackness’ to mask corruption and escape justice
This leadership slate has reportedly been dubbed “Time and Space“.
The EFF is set to elect its Central Command Team (CCT) leaders on Sunday.
Malema is expected to deliver the closing address, marking the end of the conference.
Watch the video below:
#EFFNPA2024 https://t.co/p89InnyeUo
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 14, 2024