Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for compassion, road safety, and solidarity this Easter, urging South Africans to embody the spirit of service and empathy during the holy period. In a heartfelt statement, the EFF extended warm Easter wishes to Christians in South Africa, across the African continent, and worldwide, while drawing attention to pressing social issues both locally and globally.

The EFF’s message, issued on Friday, 18 April 2025, resonates deeply as South Africans prepare for the Easter long weekend, a time of reflection, family gatherings, and travel. With millions expected to hit the roads, the party’s plea for cautious driving and community care comes at a critical moment. The statement also shines a spotlight on economic struggles in South Africa and the ongoing plight of Palestinian Christians, particularly in Gaza, where conflict continues to devastate lives.

A Call Rooted in Easter’s Spiritual Meaning

The EFF’s statement frames Easter as more than a religious observance, emphasizing its moral and spiritual significance. “Easter is not only a commemoration of the resurrection of Christ, but also a moral and spiritual reminder of what He lived and died for: the liberation of the oppressed, the feeding of the hungry, healing the sick, and calling the powerful to account,” the statement reads. The party draws inspiration from Jesus Christ’s life, describing it as a “ministry of radical compassion, revolutionary love, and fearless defiance of unjust systems.”

Quoting Matthew 25:40, the EFF highlights Christ’s teaching: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This scripture underpins the party’s call for South Africans to support the vulnerable during Easter. “Like Christ, the EFF continues to wage a struggle for economic freedom because we know, as Jesus knew, that the suffering of the poor is not a natural condition, it is the result of political betrayal and moral decay,” the statement adds.

EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, who issued the statement, urged citizens to reflect on these values. “Easter is a time to pause and think about how we can serve others, whether it’s sharing a meal with someone in need or standing up against injustice,” Thambo said.

Addressing South Africa’s Economic Challenges

The EFF’s Easter message also critiques South Africa’s economic landscape, pointing to systemic issues that exacerbate poverty. The statement condemns “a South Africa where the ruling elite chooses to increase VAT on basic goods instead of taxing wealth, where a Government of National Unity partners with former oppressors, and where children are not safe in their schools.” These concerns align with the party’s long-standing advocacy for economic justice and equitable policies.

South Africa’s economic challenges are stark. Recent data shows that over 55% of the population lives below the poverty line, with unemployment rates hovering around 32%. The EFF argues that policies like VAT increases disproportionately burden the poor, making essentials like bread and milk less affordable. “Easter reminds us that love, service, and justice are not optional, they are essential,” the statement asserts, calling for systemic change to uplift the marginalized.

The party’s focus on school safety also reflects ongoing concerns. In recent years, incidents of violence and inadequate infrastructure in schools have sparked public outcry. The EFF’s call to ensure children’s safety underscores the need for government action to protect young learners, particularly in under-resourced communities.

Solidarity with Palestinian Christians

On the global stage, the EFF expressed deep concern for Palestinian Christians and civilians in Gaza, who face “unspeakable horror under Apartheid Israel.” The statement notes that “just on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, a Christian hospital was bombed,” highlighting the devastation in the region. “Already, entire communities have been displaced, some of the oldest churches destroyed, and lives lost in a brutal genocide that the global community continues to ignore,” the EFF stated, pledging solidarity with those affected.

The conflict in Gaza has claimed thousands of lives since escalating in 2023, with hospitals, schools, and places of worship repeatedly targeted. Palestinian Christians, who trace their heritage to the earliest followers of Jesus, face particular hardship as sacred sites and communities are caught in the crossfire. The EFF’s mention of a Christian hospital bombing refers to an incident that drew international condemnation, though global responses remain divided.

“We stand firmly in solidarity with the Christians of Palestine who now commemorate Easter under bombs and rubble,” the EFF declared. This stance aligns with the party’s broader advocacy for global justice, drawing parallels between South Africa’s historical struggle against apartheid and the Palestinian fight for self-determination.

Road Safety: A Shared Responsibility

With Easter being one of South Africa’s busiest travel periods, the EFF’s call for road safety is timely. “To all who will be travelling this weekend, we urge you to do so with caution. Road safety must be a shared responsibility, and we appeal to all citizens to drive with care and respect for life,” the statement reads. The party encourages drivers to embody “generosity and compassion” by ensuring the safety of others on the road.

South Africa’s roads are notoriously dangerous during holiday seasons. Last Easter, over 200 fatalities were recorded in road accidents, with speeding, drunk driving, and pedestrian incidents cited as major causes. The EFF’s message echoes campaigns by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, which has intensified patrols and awareness drives for Easter 2025. Authorities expect over 1.5 million vehicles on major routes like the N1 and N3, underscoring the need for vigilance.

The EFF also urged South Africans to “break bread with your family” and reflect on Easter’s essence, emphasizing community over consumerism. “The spirit of Easter must not be confined to words, but demonstrated in action through service and empathy,” the statement concludes.

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