 convened its second plenum of the third National People’s Assembly from 30 January to 1 February 2026, with succession planning hovering as a central topic as the party grapples with uncertainty over the future of its leader, Julius Malema.){kind=link}
By Marcus Moloko
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) convened its second plenum of the third National People’s Assembly from 30 January to 1 February 2026, with succession planning hovering as a central topic as the party grapples with uncertainty over the future of its leader, Julius Malema.
The gathering, held in Boksburg east of Johannesburg, brought together leaders from the central, provincial, and regional command teams, as well as representatives from the EFF Students’ Command and members of Parliament and provincial legislatures.
Officially billed as a strategic planning meeting to prepare for the 2026 local government elections, the plenum also could be a forum for internal debate about leadership continuity.
Malema’s conviction last October in the East London Magistrate’s Court has unsettled the party.
He was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built‑up area, reckless endangerment, and failing to take precautions to prevent danger.
The charges stemmed from video footage showing him firing a rifle into the air at the EFF’s fifth anniversary rally in Mdantsane in 2018.
Pre-sentencing hearings have been postponed to 15 April 2026, leaving the party in limbo. If Malema receives a custodial sentence of more than 12 months without the option of a fine, he would automatically be disqualified from serving as a Member of Parliament.
While the EFF’s public posture remains one of unwavering support for its commander-in‑chief, senior leaders privately acknowledge growing unease.
“There is unhappiness on the ground which needs to be dealt with, but the fear is that the CIC might not entertain talks of his successor while he still wants to lead the party,” one Gauteng leader said in reports.
Another senior official warned, “People are worried that the organisation is in trouble if we do not deal openly with what happens if the president is unavailable.”
Branch leaders and activists have reportedly raised similar concerns, pressing for clarity on what would happen if Malema is unable to continue leading.
Beyond succession, Malema announced that the EFF would cease supporting ANC mayors unless the ANC backs EFF mayoral candidates.
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