Why the EFF’s court loss matters in an election year

WITH South Africa hurtling towards elections, the Western Cape High Court’s dismissal of the EFF’s bid to overturn sanctions against six party members is more than just a legal footnote. It’s a crucial reminder that a strong democracy requires, as Nelson Mandela said, “the fundamental right to disagree publicly without fear of retribution”.

Last year’s tumultuous State of the Nation Address (Sona), where EFF MPs stormed the podium in protest, was not an isolated incident. It’s part of a worrying pattern of the EFF attempting to discredit President Ramaphosa, and previously Jacob Zuma, in Parliament.

As result of last year’s chaos, the EFF’s self-styled commander-in-chief Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu, Vuyani Pambo, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, and party spokesperson Sinawo Tambo won’t take up their seats when Ramaphosa addresses a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday evening.

While the right to protest is sacrosanct, disrupting the highest platform for debate through physical means undermines the very foundations of democracy.

This strategy serves the EFF poorly, alienating moderate voters and solidifying their image as radical disruptors, not serious policymakers. The court’s ruling further isolates them.

Orchestrating chaos discourages participation, particularly from young voters who may feel disillusioned by a system seemingly incapable of civil debate.

This isn’t just about the EFF. All political parties must recognise that resorting to violence or intimidation erodes public trust and ultimately weakens their own positions. As Mahatma Gandhi declared, “Intolerance betrays weakness, not strength”.

South Africa has come a long way since the dark days of apartheid. However, the journey towards a truly thriving democracy is ongoing. The High Court’s decision serves as a powerful message: disagreement and protest are essential, but must be exercised within the bounds of respect and the rule of law. Only then can the true strength of democracy, open and constructive debate, flourish.

The path to a brighter future lies not in orchestrated disruption, but in engaging in the hard work of building consensus and finding common ground, even amidst profound differences. South Africa deserves better than the politics of spectacle and chaos. The future of its democracy hinges on choosing the path of reasoned dialogue over the dead end of disruptive violence.