A salute to our exceptional leadership
IT WAS December 13-16, 2013, when Fighters for Economic Freedom assembled at the University of Free State in Mangaung where the EFF delegates elected our top six leaders.
It has been six years since the inaugural EFF National People’s Assembly, and as we approach another one, it is with fondness, appreciation and optimism that I write this piece.
To our national chairperson, advocate Dali Mpofu, you are a pillar. You calm the waters and regularly provided guidance. A lighthouse in our organisation, providing light and serving as a navigational aid. We watched you play a role in recruiting and admired how you dealt with internal governance.
To our honourable treasurer-general, Leigh-Ann Mathys, you often go against the grain, despite the rhetoric that has restricted women from participating in politics.
You have served us, TG, keeping our financial records in order. You’ve consistently offered an ear to all issues that crossed your desk, kind and just in your decisions.
Our deputy secretary-general Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, who was always available to EFF members and staff. Ma Thumbeza, we watched you go beyond your line of duty. You educated us, inspiring us to step up for gender equality. It was such a pleasure and joyful moments to watch you never intimidated by men that surround you.
Our secretary-general, Godrich Gardee. Nobhala, I’m laughing as I write this because I can hear you in my ear because you were forever passionate. As fighters, we had a great coach in you. You asked for detail in things, not for you, but for us to learn. For every interview I sent you to, you asked me difficult questions, forcing me to be well-informed and prepared.
Thank you Nobhala, six years on, it shows the engine was well oiled.
EFF remains standing and is represented and visible in all provinces.Our deputy president, Nyiko Floyd Shivambu. I have never seen a person so precise, definite and meticulous like our deputy president. He has taught us the same skill, followed by hard work. The deputy president was one of my first inspirations. Watching him doing his job in his previous life as a spokesperson, his delivery was always impeccable.
Our president, the commander-in-chief, the son of Koko Sarah Malema and husband of Ausi Mantwa Matlala. When Xhosa people are at loss for words they say “siswele imilomo eliwaka”.
What a committed and hardworking leader we had. The passion you had for your job and position is commendable and your humility is unpredicted. I have worked with leaders before, but never have I witnessed the level of involvement in a president like I did with you.
You inspired Black excellence. You are Black excellence, always pushing each of us to do our best. You are truly an outstanding leader. Your tenure has set the bar high and will be remembered in history as an example of outstanding leadership. Usebenzile Mushavhi, Siyabulela Mokgalabye.
As a member of the EFF and ground force within ward 27, I salute you for the exceptional work you have done. And to the leadership contesting next weekend, I wish you all the best.
Your track record speaks for itself. Salute!