Latest news with #SinawoThambo
The Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald
‘I've never called anybody the K-word': McKenzie denies racism claims amid calls for his removal
He said he cannot be racist, citing his diverse background. He said his grandmother is Irish, his grandfather is Japanese, and his mother is Sotho. The EFF has called for his removal as minister and demanded a public apology. 'It is important to note the remarks were made years after his release from prison, demonstrating he is not 'rehabilitated' as he claims,' said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. 'His words prove his outlook remains rooted in division, hate and disdain for the very people he now claims to serve.' Thambo stressed the sport, arts, and culture ministry need to promote unity, inclusion and pride. 'It must lead outreach to the very communities McKenzie has called 'k***s'. Leaving him in office sends the message that the government condones such racism, provided it comes from a politically connected individual.' The ATM has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting an investigation and the removal of McKenzie as minister. 'Resurfaced tweets authored by the minister contain racially derogatory slurs directed at black South Africans, language that is indefensible and deeply corrosive to the principles upon which our democracy is built,' said ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula. 'This is not a matter of political rivalry or petty offence. It is a matter of ethics, constitutional duty and the moral fabric of the Republic.' ActionSA has reported the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission =. 'Racism and the dehumanising of any person, regardless of their race, has no place in South Africa,' ActionSA MP Alan Beesley said, adding the party has a complaint against public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson (DA) after referring to ActionSA supporters as "hobos". PA co-founder Kenny Kunene has come out in support of McKenzie, posting that he is being "unfairly attacked on old tweets of 2011 to divert attention from the insensitive and rude insults" on the podcast against the coloured community. "I and all members of the Patriotic Alliance know our president is not a racist."
IOL News
26-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
EFF celebrates 12th anniversary with 'Festival of the Poor' rally in Khayelitsha
EFF says the 12th Anniversary in Khayelitsha is a Festival of the Poor, celebrating resilience, grassroots power, and the ongoing fight against poverty, spatial apartheid, and economic injustice. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will today, July 26, mark their 12th anniversary with a major rally in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, under the theme 'Festival of the Poor.' The celebration was initially scheduled for Mthatha in the Eastern Cape but was relocated following devastating floods in the region. EFF leadership, together with King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, visited the flood-affected communities of Phola Park, Dekolweni, and Bambanani, offering relief and engaging directly with residents. 'This is how leadership must respond in times of crisis—not through press releases, but by physically being present with the people,' the party said. The anniversary rally will be held at the same venue where the ANC gave its January 8th Statement earlier this year, showing the EFF's growing influence in traditional ANC areas. While the Western Cape remains dominated by the DA, the EFF will use this event to spotlight the ongoing racial and spatial inequalities affecting the province's communities.. A custom-built 10,000-capacity dome in Khayelitsha will host the celebration, which the EFF says includes essential amenities and is ready to accommodate thousands of Fighters, supporters, and community members from Site B, Site C, TR Section, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Delft, and Belhar. 'This will not just be an event—it will be a Festival of the Poor, a moment to reflect on 12 years of struggle, survival, growth, and victories,' the party added. 'The chosen venue of Khayelitsha is significant,' said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.
Eyewitness News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
EFF says it will oppose Wednesday's adoption of fiscal framework and budget
CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said they would oppose Wednesday's adoption of the fiscal framework and budget because it was unilateral and also 'nullified' the public participation process. The red berets have also called out the Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana and National Treasury for undermining Parliament by raising the fuel levy on the 4 June - a week before the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) could consider and adopt the fiscal framework. Members from both houses of Parliament are on Wednesday afternoon set to consider and vote on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals, which include a levy increase of 16 cents and 15 cents per litre for petrol and diesel respectively. The consideration of the fiscal framework and the budget by Parliament follows last week's court challenge, where the EFF had tried to have the fuel levy suspended. But the court ruled against the party, paving the way for Parliament to now adopt the budget and levy proposal, which has already come into effect. But EFF spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo said the will continue their fight in the chamber on Wednesday. 'South Africans are already bearing the brunt of that tax adjustment in the form of a fuel levy hike at the unilateral decision-making powers of the Minister of Finance. So we are going to voice our concerns in the national assembly about the nullification of the public participation process and the undermining of parliament as well.' On losing their court challenge, Thambo said they're saddened on behalf of the people of South Africa because a fuel levy hike will result in an increase in the cost of food and services.
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.
