Sihle Lonzi
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have officially sent student leader Sihle Lonzi, President of the EFF Student Command (EFFSC), to Parliament, marking a pivotal moment for youth involvement in South African politics. This move follows persistent calls within the party for increased representation of young people, with many believing that the youthful nature of the EFF should be reflected in its leadership. Lonzi, known for his passionate advocacy of free, quality education, will now step into a new arena of influence where he will champion the interests of the youth at the national level.
The Rise of Sihle Lonzi and EFFSC
Lonzi’s political journey has been closely tied to his leadership of the EFFSC, an organisation that has flourished under his direction. Since his election at the 4th National Students Assembly in 2022, Lonzi has guided the student wing through significant victories, consolidating the EFF’s dominance across many of South Africa’s universities. His leadership has been marked by an unwavering commitment to eradicating financial exclusion and tackling institutional racism on campuses, aligning with the EFF’s broader vision of economic freedom and equality .
His ascension to Parliament comes at a time when the EFF is navigating internal challenges, including the recent resignation of high-profile members such as Floyd Shivambu and Busisiwe Mkhwebane. Despite these hurdles, Julius Malema, EFF leader, has repeatedly expressed his pride in Lonzi’s leadership of the student command. Earlier this year, Malema praised the EFFSC for its control over more than 80% of South Africa’s campuses, underscoring Lonzi’s role in this success .
Addressing Internal Party Divisions
Lonzi’s rise to Parliament has not been without controversy. His vocal opposition to Shivambu, who left the party amidst tensions and joined the newly-formed MK Party, has sparked significant debate within EFF circles. Lonzi’s public disagreements with Shivambu over the latter’s alleged role in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal and his departure from the EFF have brought underlying tensions within the party to the fore .
In August 2024, Lonzi even shared a heated WhatsApp exchange with Shivambu on social media, highlighting the growing rift between the two. Lonzi accused Shivambu of undermining the EFF’s principles, a sentiment that was echoed by Malema, who later declared that Shivambu would not be welcomed back into the party. This public fallout has demonstrated Lonzi’s strong stance against what he perceives as corruption and disloyalty within the party, further solidifying his position as a key figure in the EFF’s next generation of leaders .
Malema’s Support for Youth in Parliament
Lonzi’s entry into Parliament has been lauded by Malema, who has long advocated for greater youth representation in the legislative body. Malema’s faith in Lonzi’s abilities was clear when he addressed the tragic car accident that befell Lonzi’s family earlier this year, offering public condolences and reiterating his support for the young leader during a difficult time .
The addition of Lonzi to Parliament, along with Fighter Tebogo Mokwele, marks a significant shift in the EFF’s strategy to bolster youth engagement and amplify their voices in national discussions. The party’s official statement praised Lonzi’s relentless advocacy for transforming the education system and his leadership in student activism, with expectations that he will bring the same energy and passion to his new role .
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