EFF still novices

THE DEGREE of strategising across the socalled opposition parties in Parliament last week caused a fresh upheaval in South African politics. Together, the filibustering of the DA and EFF allowed a new era in our postdemocratic life to become more entrenched, and, at the same time, test Speaker Baleka Mbete’s ability to deal with her party’s rivals.

But there was another angle on the events of Thursday. The EFF was, essentially, without its top leadership, including Julius Malema, his outspoken lieutenants Floyd Shivambu and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, and others. Until now, we have seen how Malema and his closest advisers have driven their parliamentary agenda. But last week, other EFF MPs – including ex-Navy admiral Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalaba, Godrich Gardee and Ngwanamakwetle Mashabela – took the baton.

For EFF supporters, this was a good thing. Malema could conceivably step aside for a short while, and politicking at the highest level could continue unabated. This was a moment the party should have been able to use as an example.

Then came Sunday, when the EFF’s Northern Cape conference ended in bloodshed and violence. It was a shocking example of a lack of leadership and allowed the EFF’s enemies to rub their hands.

Parliament’s novices still have a long way to go.