ANC and EFF in “informal discu

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 14: EFF and ANC supporters during the funeral service of Struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on April 14, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Madikizela-Mandela died at the age of 81 after a long illness. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)

ANC and EFF in “informal discussions” over partnership – Report

Could you imagine an ANC EFF partnership? According to some reports, it could be on the cards at some point. Mama Winnie wanted it.

ANC and EFF in “informal discu

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 14: EFF and ANC supporters during the funeral service of Struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on April 14, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Madikizela-Mandela died at the age of 81 after a long illness. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)

It’s Sunday, so that means that there are new political news stories to digest and discuss. With the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela funeral hugely attended by both ANC and EFF members, a new report is claiming that “informal discussions” have taken place between the two parties.

During their speeches at the funeral, ANC head of elections Fikile Mbalula and President Cyril Ramaphosa both referenced EFF leader Julius Malema.

Mbalula told the Sunday Times that a reconnecting of the two parties was “Mama Winnie’s last wish – and it is right.” Malema also spoke to the paper and while he was keen to avoid speculation, he revealed that he had discussed with Ramaphosa about what was necessary for any sort of co-operation.

The understanding is that there would be no party merger, but there could be co-operation after the election based on certain fundamental principles.” Going off of the EFF’s policy document, there would involve land expropriation and potentially even nationalisation of banks and mines.

With Malema having deep roots in the ANC, any sort of post 2019 support or coalition would effectively give the ANC access to a two thirds majority. The most recent example of this, when the EFF voted with the ANC to allow the constitution to be amended for land expropriation without compensation.

The Joint Constitutional Review Committee, the group tasked with amending the constitution, officially began its work regarding land expropriation at the end of March. Public submissions have now also been called for.

At Mama Winnie’s funeral on Saturday, Malema stole the show with arguably his best political speech yet. The EFF leader vowed to make the changes Madikizela-Mandela wanted and went after those “betrayers and sell-outs” who were attending her funeral.

Say whatever you want about Malema’s politics but underestimate him at your peril. At just 37 years-old, he continues to lead the current political narrative.