Latest news with #SinawoThambo
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
EFF reshuffles leadership to boost organisational strength ahead of 2026 elections
The EFF reshuffles provincial leadership to sharpen internal capacity and prepare for intensified electoral engagement ahead of 2026, strengthening its presence in key provinces across South Africa. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have announced a series of significant leadership appointments across several provinces, aimed at reinforcing discipline, sharpening leadership capacity, and deepening grassroots organisational presence. The party said the shake-up is intended to "refine the EFF's leadership machinery, deepen accountability," and ensure its structures are "well-coordinated, administratively sound, and financially efficient" in preparation for intensified electoral engagement. The changes, were effected in strict accordance with Section 14 of the EFF Constitution, following resolutions taken at the 2nd Central Command Team (CCT) Meeting of the 3rd National People's Assembly (NPA), held in Bela Bela earlier this month. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the appointments are part of 'decisive organisational interventions to reinforce, consolidate, and sharpen leadership capacity,' and a reflection of the party's continued commitment to building a mass-based, ideologically coherent movement grounded in the struggles of the working class and the poor. ''The EFF remains steady in its revolutionary mission: to build a mass-based, militant, and disciplined organisation that is firmly rooted in the struggles of the working class and the poor, and that will deliver true economic freedom in our lifetime,'' said Thambo.
The South African
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
'State capture': Goverment's Kaizer Chiefs post upsets EFF MP
Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) spokesperson Sinawo Thambo has accused the government of 'favouritism' after they congratulated Kaizer Chiefs, who beat Orlando Pirates to win the Nedbank Cup over the weekend. The victory marks the first time in a decade that Amakhosi have ended their 'trophy drought' in the local cup competition. EFF CONDEMNS GOVERNMENT'S KAIZER CHIEFS X POST In an X post from their official account, the South African government congratulated Kaizer Chiefs on their victory. The post read: 'Congratulations, Khosi Nation! Kaizer Chiefs finally end their 10-year wait for silverware, defeating fierce rivals Orlando Pirates to lift the 2025 Nedbank Cup.' The post received over one million views. But one person who disapproved of the post was EFF's spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. He replied to the post, 'See you on Tuesday in Parliament about this abuse of state resources.' In another, he clapped at Minister of Communications Solly Malatsi, who was seen wearing an Amakhosi shirt. He added: 'The culprits for that misuse of the South African Government Account tweeting a message for Kaizer Chiefs are found below'. 'There will be accountability.' Thambo also took aim at SABC 1, which also praised the 'Glamour Boys'. 'State capture 2.0', he posted. Sinawo later conceded that his posts were 'just a joke.' Like Sinawo Thambo, EFF president Julius Malema is also a staunch Orlando Pirates fan. However, the controversial leader is nevertheless a fan of Kaizer Chiefs chairman, Kaizer Motaung. At his 80th birthday celebrations last year, Malema praised Motaung for his contribution to local football. On his X account, he posted about the football club founder: 'Your unwavering leadership and dedication to elevating our football to a world-class level continue to inspire us.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
07-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Malema sees red after UK visa not approved in time to address students at Cambridge University
EFF leader Julius Malema was set to address students at Cambridge University in the UK this weekend. However, the British High Commission did not process and approve his visa in time. The EFF has claimed that this move by the High Commission was deliberate. The EFF has accused the British High Commission in South Africa of deliberately failing to process a visa application in time for party leader Julius Malema to visit the UK for an address at Cambridge University. In a statement, EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said Malema was scheduled to address the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference - an event hosted by the African Society of Cambridge University. 'In what can only be described as an administratively orchestrated ban on the president of the EFF, the British High Commission has actively delayed the processing and approval of the visa application by the CIC and has sent a letter of regret that it will not be processed in time for the address at Cambridge University which is scheduled for this weekend. 'This letter of regret was sent today [Wednesday], when the president was set to depart to the UK following a confirmation that the visa will be processed this afternoon [Wednesday],' Thambo added. He described the failure to process the visa as nothing more than an 'expression of bureaucratic process being used to suppress political dissent and to ban the voices of the EFF from building global solidarity against Western imperialism'. The African Society of Cambridge University invited Malema to address its 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference. Thambo said the event was one of the university's most prestigious occasions, which was set to be delivered to Africa's leading policymakers, business leaders, economists and academics from universities across the globe. 'The EFF is well aware that this is a reflection of the attitude of imperialism against the commander-in-chief and the EFF, who has been a strong and critical voice against the United Kingdom for its role in the atrocities of colonialism, particularly the role of the British monarchy in the slave trade, its role in the sustaining of the genocide of the Palestinian people by Israel and the continued resistance by Britain regarding the paying of reparations to victims of colonial conquest. He added: The United Kingdom is not only suppressing academic freedom by essentially banning the president of the EFF from travelling to the country but is engaged in an open declaration of war against those who dare to stand up to warmongers, such as the British monarchy, which has the blood of the people of Kenya whom they brutalised during the Mau Mau rebellion still dripping from their hands. Malema was highly critical of Queen Elizabeth, who died in 2022. According to Thambo, the banning of Malema reflected the continued control of the political process in the UK by the British monarchy, which remains aggrieved by the EFF's posture following the death of the late monarch. 'As the EFF, we want to reaffirm our statement on the death of Elizabeth Mary Windsor and remind the bureaucracy in the UK that their monarchy still owes the world a huge debt for the crimes they committed against humanity through colonialism,' he said. The EFF thanked the students at Cambridge University for recognising and appreciating Malema 'as one that is leading the resistance of imperialism and the independence of Africa'. In a letter to EFF deputy president Godrich Gardee, British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson said he had been following the processing of the necessary visa for Malema. Phillipson apologised that his colleagues at the UK Home Office said they would regrettably be unable to process the application. This was due to the time owing to the necessary steps required to consider visa applications and the timing of some recent UK bank holidays. 'I recognise that this will be deeply disappointing, especially as the delegation applied in advance and some paid for priority service. I would like to assure you that I have taken a personal interest in this issue and have been in regular communication with relevant Home Office officials about this case including over the last week and this morning. 'I am afraid, though, that I have no means of intervening in the decision-making process itself, which is solely a matter for the Home Office. 'Given the fact that the purpose of the visit was to attend the Cambridge conference, and that will now no longer be possible ,it would be open to the delegation to withdraw their applications on this occasion. We have secured agreement from Home Office colleagues that should the delegation choose to do so, the Home Office will fully refund all application fees,' he said.
TimesLIVE
22-04-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Ramaphosa, parties remember Pope Francis for leadership, humility and simplicity
The EFF described him as a 'voice of moral clarity' since his election to the papacy in 2013. 'His leadership was marked by commitment to the poor, the displaced and the oppressed; principles that closely align with the EFF's struggle for economic freedom and social justice,' EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said. 'Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis consistently challenged the injustices of global capitalism, denouncing the greed of multinational corporations and the exploitive systems that have left billions of people in poverty. Pope Francis was not merely a leader in words; he embodied the humility and simplicity he preached.' The DA remembered him for his 'progressive leadership of the church and compassion for those in need.' 'As head of state of the Vatican City State and head of the Holy See, Pope Francis did not shy away from courageous positions seeking peace and tolerance for all,' DA leader John Steenhuisen said. ActionSA said his memory would be one of 'exemplary servitude' to the church and the world. 'Through times of great challenge his leadership guided the Catholic Church into the modern age with compassion and humility, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations to come. In memory of His Holiness, ActionSA calls for a just, peaceful and kind world, where together we may enjoy fellowship and lead lives filled with hope and compassion,' ActionSA spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni said. The MK Party described him as a 'towering figure' in the moral and spiritual landscape. 'As the first pope from the Global South, he brought a profound humility and compassion to the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. His commitment to the poor, his stance on climate justice and his efforts to build bridges across religious, racial and cultural divides resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds,' MK Party spokesperson Nhlawulo Ndhlela said.
The South African
22-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
DA, EFF file urgent 2025 VAT increase interdict
The DA, supported by the EFF, have filed a 2025 VAT increase interdict. This will be heard in Western Cape High Court today, Tuesday 22 April 2025. The scheduled VAT increase is set to take effect on Thursday 1 May, ironically, the Workers' Day public holiday. Nevertheless, experts predicted the controversial 2025 Budget would be battled out in court and so it is proving. The DA and EFF have brought forward their 2025 VAT increase interdict, challenging the legality of the tax hike. Both parties argue it will have a negative impact on the economy. Particularly on struggling South African households on SASSA grants. Moreover, that rapidly rising cost of living through VAT increases will affect primarily the poor and vulnerable citizens. Specifically, the High Court today will hear the challenge of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal. And the constitutionality of amendments to section 7(4) of the VAT Act. It believes the Minister of Finance is not allowed to simply adjust the VAT rate. Meanwhile, Minister Godongwana has responded by arguing the DA and EFF's challenge is 'misdirected and based on fundamental misinterpretation of the law.' He says there is provision for the Minister of Finance to amend the VAT Act. 'A temporary and conditional authority to adjust the rate for 12 months, subject to Parliament's power to enact legislation,' explained Godongwana. Furthermore, the DA's opposition to the 2025 VAT increase could even unravel the very fabric of the Government of National Unity (GNU), after the ANC failed to win a majority vote in 2024. 'The DA is pursing the 2025 VAT increase interdict legal to prevent what it believes to be an unjustified burden on already struggling South African households. An increase will further escalate rising cost of living, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable,' confirmed the DA in a statement. Likewise, the EFF applied to join today's legal action. It said it wants to protect the democratic processes that determine the use of public resources. 'The court application is a necessary and principled intervention to protect the democratic character of Parliament,' said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. In contrast, Minister Godongwana has defended his decision yet again to increase VAT by one percentage point over two years (2025-2026). According to Godongwana, halting the VAT increase would create a loss of R13.5 billion in revenue. In turn, this would lead to spending/jobs cuts and increased borrowing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
