Background of the Economic Freedom Fighters
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is a radical and militant economic emancipation movement, formed in the year 2013 with the aim of bringing together revolutionary, militant activists, community-based organizations as well as lobby groups under the umbrella of the political party pursuing the struggle of economic emancipation.
The EFF is an anti-imperialist and leftist movement with an internationalist outlook anchored by popular grassroots’ formations and struggles. The political party has thus drawn inspiration from the broad Marxist-Leninist tradition school of thought in their analysis of the state, imperialism, culture and class contradictions in every society.
Vision of the EFF
The EFF will, with determination and consistency associate with The protest movement in South Africa and will also join in struggles that defy The unjust laws.
Mission of The EFF
The EFF is a South African movement with a progressive internationalist outlook, which seeks to engage global progressive movements. We believe that The best contribution we can make in the national and international struggle against global imperialism is to rid our country of imperialist domination.
The EFF Pillars of Economic Emancipation
- Expropriation of South Africa’s land without compensation for equal redistribution in use.
- Nationalisation of mines, banks, and other strategic sectors of the economy, without compensation.
- Building state and government capacity, which will lead to The abolishment of tenders.
- Free quality education, healthcare, houses, and sanitation.
- Protected industrial development to create sustainable jobs which includes the introduction of minimum wages in order to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor, close the aparthei2wage gap and promote rapid career opportunities for Africans in the workplace.
- Massive development of the African economy and advocating for a shift from reconciliation to justice in the entire continent.
- Foster an accountable, corrupt-free government and society.
The Freedom Charter
The Economic Freedom Fighters appreciates the role played by the fathers and mothers of South Africa’s liberation movement. The movement thus draws inspiration from the radical, working class’ interpretation of the Freedom Charter since its adoption the year, 1955, where the charter was given various meanings. The EFF’s interpretation of the Freedom Charter however, is that South Africa indeed belongs to all who live in it, and ownership of South Africa’s economic resources and access to opportunities should reflect the country belonging to its people. The transfer of mineral wealth beneath the soil, monopoly industries and banks mean nationalisation of such and the charter accepts that while the state is in command and in control of the commanding heights of South Africa’s economy, “people shall have equal rights to trade where they choose, to manufacture and to enter all trades, crafts and professions”, meaning that there will never be wholesale nationalisation of the state control of every sector of South Africa’s economy. Nationalisation of strategic sectors and assets will be blended with a strong industrial policy to support social and economic development.