Economic Freedom Fighters candidate distances party from University of Johannesburg protest
An EFF ward candidate has condemned individuals wearing party regalia during disruptive blockades at the Auckland Park campus, describing them as rogue elements.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Ward 87 have issued a statement condemning an unauthorised protest at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Auckland Park campus.
In the statement dated October 26, Gift Netshivhazwaulu, the party’s councillor candidate for Ward 87 in the Johannesburg region, said individuals participating in the protest were wearing EFF regalia, including the party’s distinctive red berets and T-shirts. Netshivhazwaulu, however, said the individuals were not members of the EFF in good standing and described them as ‘rogue elements’ who had hijacked the organisation’s identity for their own narrow and destructive agendas.
Read more: University of Johannesburg confirms normal operations after student protest at Kingsway campus
The EFF Ward 87 structure alleged that the actions were a co-ordinated attempt to decampaign and sabotage the party ahead of the upcoming elections.
It said the individuals were creating chaos under the banner of the red beret to mislead the public and paint a false picture of the organisation’s priorities and discipline.
According to Netshivhazwaulu, the EFF headquarters had issued a standing mandate that no protests should be sanctioned or conducted during the current election period.
He added that the party’s focus was on mobilising supporters and securing victory at the polls. The EFF Ward 87 structure further distanced itself from the illegal blockades and disruptions occurring at the university.
Also read: EFF students protest alleged UJ registration fee hike
It called on university management and law enforcement to deal with those involved, maintaining that their actions did not represent the revolutionary discipline of the EFF.
The statement also urged the party’s supporters and the student body to remain vigilant against what it described as deceptive tactics.
It reaffirmed the EFF’s commitment to the struggle for economic freedom through organised, disciplined and sanctioned revolutionary action.
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