EFF leader Julius Malema wants his deputy Floyd Shivambu appointed South Africa’s Minister of Finance in a possible ANC-EFF post-election coalition.
Malema stated his demand during an interview on JJ Tabane’s show Frank Dialogue on Thursday (4 April).
Floyd Shivambu for Minister of Finance?
“I am prepared to give the EFF vote to the ANC nationally if it doesn’t get 50%. I don’t need the glory of being a Deputy President or President. I would make one demand: make Floyd Shivambu Minister of Finance. That’s all,” Malema said.
Various opinion polls suggest that the ANC is likely to lose its majority for the first time since South Africa’s democratic transition. A Brenthurst Foundation survey in February pegged the party’s support at just 39%, with 10% of those surveyed saying they would vote for EFF.
According to Malema, taking over the National Treasury would put the EFF in a good position to implement its policies.
“Once we take finance – because that’s where the problem is, and President Cyril Ramaphosa knows that – the problem in this country is a department of finance that is owned and controlled by Stellenbosch, [and] which engages in anti-poor policies. You need a radical,” he said.
Reactions
Malema’s comments have sparked various reactions on social media platform X. Former DA MP Phumzile Van Damme remarked that “everyone wants a piece” of the ANC.
“The DA hasn’t taken being in coalition with the ANC off the table. The EFF is willing to partner with the ANC. But also, they want the ANC out because it’s evil. But also, they want to be in coalition with it,” she wrote.
One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane also weighed in. “So, let’s get this straight South Africa. Firstly the @Our_DA says they want to go into coalition with ANC, making a vote for DA a vote for the @MYANC. Now Julius Bushiri is also saying that a vote for the EFF is a vote for the same African National Chai?” he asked.
Some EFF supporters also expressed disappointment. “The goal is to remove not share votes! Wow shocked and stunned! Not even a condition for the constitution to be amended to solve their land agenda? They just want minister of finance nje. Wow,” one user wrote.
“What happened to 7 non-negotiable cardinal pillars?” another X user asked.
However, some expressed support for a possible ANC-EFF pact. “The fact remains, the ANC will dip [below] 50% and the most beneficial pact to take this country forward is to have a coalition that is progressive and will benefit the people of this country, the black masses in particular,” said one commenter.