Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have announced a major restructuring of their youth structures by dissolving the EFF Student Command (EFFSC) and replacing it with a new Youth Command. This decision was one of the key resolutions adopted at the party’s third National People’s Assembly, signaling a shift in the party’s approach to youth political involvement.
Why the EFF Dissolved the Student Command
The EFFSC was previously the only youth structure within the party, but it functioned solely within institutions of higher learning. While it played a significant role in student politics, its narrow scope meant that young EFF members who had graduated or were not enrolled in tertiary institutions had no formal youth representation within the party.
By dissolving the EFFSC and replacing it with a Youth Command, the party aims to create a broader, more inclusive youth structure that extends beyond university and college campuses.
At a media briefing on Monday, EFF leader Julius Malema confirmed that the EFFSC had been dissolved with immediate effect.
“A provision has been made to ensure the EFFSC remains with its status in institutions of higher learning where the organisation won SRC elections to avoid attempts by enemy forces to nullify their democratic victories on the basis of their dissolution.”
This statement implies that the EFF will still maintain a presence in student governance where it has won leadership positions, despite the dissolution of the EFFSC as an official party structure.
Introducing the New EFF Youth Command
The new Youth Command will serve as the party’s official youth wing, engaging young South Africans both within and outside academic institutions.
Who Will Lead the Youth Command?
• Sihle Lonzi has been appointed as the convener of the Youth Command.
• Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose will serve as the coordinator of the structure.
Both Lonzi and Chirwa-Mpungose are longstanding EFF members with strong backgrounds in youth activism. Their leadership will shape the direction of the new Youth Command, ensuring that young people in different sectors of society have a voice within the party.
Why This Move Is Significant for the EFF
- Expanding the Party’s Youth Base
The EFFSC had built a strong presence in universities, often winning Student Representative Council (SRC) elections across various institutions. However, its influence was limited to students, leaving young workers, unemployed youth, and school-leavers without formal representation within the party.
With the launch of the Youth Command, the EFF aims to expand its reach to include:
• Young professionals and workers
• Unemployed youth
• School leavers and those not in tertiary education
• Youth involved in community activism
By broadening its focus, the EFF hopes to increase youth mobilization ahead of the 2026 local government elections and 2029 national elections.
- Strengthening the EFF’s Position in Youth Politics
The EFF has long positioned itself as a party that represents young people, often focusing on issues like free education, employment, and youth empowerment.
By replacing the EFFSC with a Youth Command, the party is modernizing its approach to ensure that its youth structures remain relevant in a changing political landscape.
- Lessons from the ANC’s Youth League Struggles
The African National Congress (ANC) Youth League (ANCYL) has faced several leadership and structural issues in recent years, leading to its decline in influence. The EFF appears to be learning from this, ensuring that its own youth structures are strong, functional, and not restricted to a single demographic.
By expanding beyond tertiary institutions, the EFF Youth Command could become one of the most active youth political structures in South Africa.
What Happens to EFFSC Leaders and Structures?
While the EFFSC has been dissolved, the party has confirmed that SRC representatives elected under its banner will still retain their positions.
This means that:
• EFFSC members who have won SRC elections will continue their term.
• The EFF will support student leaders in these institutions to ensure their victories are not nullified.
• The Youth Command will take over as the official youth structure of the party.
This strategy prevents student leadership power vacuums, ensuring that the EFF still has influence in student politics while shifting towards a more comprehensive youth structure.
Reactions to the Announcement
EFF Members Welcome the Decision
Many EFF members have welcomed the restructuring, praising the decision to include more young people in the party’s leadership structures.
One supporter wrote on social media:
“This is the best move for the EFF. Now all young fighters, whether they are in school, working, or unemployed, have a structure to call home.”
Another added:
“EFF youth politics is growing stronger! The Youth Command will allow more young leaders to emerge and push the radical agenda of economic freedom.”

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