The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's first inclusive elections, yet the promised political inclusion has not translated into significant economic benefits for the majority, particularly those who suffered under colonialism and apartheid. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) highlight the persisting issues of landlessness, joblessness, and the current electricity crisis as urgent challenges facing the nation. In 2024, South Africa faces a crisis of load shedding, revealing the government's inability to ensure a stable electricity supply.
The EFF's focus for the upcoming general elections revolves around three critical issues: LAND, JOBS, and ELECTRICITY, encapsulated in their theme - OUR LAND AND JOBS NOW. STOP LOAD SHEDDING! The emphasis on LAND stems from the stark reality that 80% of the population occupies less than 10% of the country's land, perpetuating the ongoing struggle with landlessness. The focus on JOBS addresses the persistent unemployment issue, with over 11 million capable South Africans still without jobs after three decades. The urgency expressed with the term NOW reflects the need for immediate action to address racialized poverty, inequality, underdevelopment, landlessness, and joblessness. The EFF rejects the 1994 elite pact, asserting that true liberation did not occur with the political change-over, as economic apartheid persists. The demand for LAND and JOBS NOW is a call for the end of apartheid, highlighting the party's commitment to genuine economic emancipation. The call to STOP LOAD SHEDDING underscores the government's failure to provide a reliable electricity plan, further contributing to the economic challenges faced by South Africans.
The economy remains predominantly controlled by the white minority, perpetuating economic and social apartheid. The EFF's manifesto for the 2024 elections is rooted in their seven cardinal pillars, emphasizing expropriation of land, nationalization of strategic sectors, capacity building, free quality services, industrial development, continental advocacy, and transparent governance. The manifesto outlines specific commitments, such as land redistribution policies, special economic zones, social grant increases, legislated state procurement, and policing system reforms.
The EFF asserts itself as the only movement capable of bringing genuine economic change to South Africa, aligned with the pursuit of economic freedom in our lifetime. The EFF's 2024 election manifesto distinguishes itself by presenting specific commitments, timelines, and deliverables, signaling a departure from broad and meaningless promises.
The party's quantitative and qualitative growth reflects their continuous connection with the people and understanding of their demands and aspirations.
In conclusion, the EFF's manifesto addresses the pressing economic challenges in South Africa, offering a comprehensive plan for reform and progress. The clarion call remains clear: OUR LAND AND JOBS NOW! STOP LOAD SHEDDING NOW! VICTORY IS CERTAIN.