The Economic Freedom Fighters Students Command (EFFSC)
By Mpho Moloi
Bloemfontein, Free State – The Economic Freedom Fighters Students Command (EFFSC) has once again emerged victorious at the University of Free State (UFS), reaffirming its stronghold in the institution’s Student Representative Council (SRC) elections. The results, announced on Friday, 23 August 2024, mark yet another triumph for the EFFSC, which has consistently dominated the UFS elections over the past several years.
The announcement was met with jubilation among the EFFSC’s supporters, both on campus and across social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), the official EFFSC account expressed its gratitude, stating, “The EFFSC has delivered yet another victory at the University of Free State. We thank the over 13,261 students who voted for the EFFSC, and salute the ground forces and fighters who worked tirelessly to deliver a decisive victory for the EFFSC.”
A Legacy of Success at UFS
The EFFSC’s victory at UFS is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of success that the student wing of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has enjoyed at the university. The EFFSC has consistently won the majority of SRC seats at UFS for several years, establishing itself as a dominant force in student governance.
This sustained success can be attributed to the EFFSC’s ability to resonate with the student body’s demands and its focus on addressing issues that directly impact students, such as financial exclusion, accommodation shortages, and campus safety. The EFFSC has also been vocal in its support for free, decolonized education, a stance that has garnered significant support among UFS students.
EFFSC President Sihle Lonzi, who has been instrumental in the organization’s recent successes, took to social media to celebrate the preliminary results. On X, he remarked, “Something very sweet and nice is coming out of the Preliminary Results of the SRC Elections at the University of Free State. The students of Free State have, yet again, made the most SOLID and SOUND decision EVER, by voting EFFSC.” Lonzi’s statement reflects the confidence and momentum that the EFFSC has built up over the years at UFS.
EFF’s Broader Success in the Free State
The EFFSC’s triumph at UFS is emblematic of the broader success that the EFF has been experiencing in the Free State province. The party has made significant inroads in recent elections, including the 2024 provincial and general elections, where it secured a notable increase in its vote share compared to previous years. The EFF’s performance in the Free State has been particularly strong in areas like Mangaung, where the party has focused on addressing local issues such as service delivery failures, corruption, and unemployment.
The EFF’s growing influence in the province was also evident in the recent by-elections, where the party won several wards previously held by the African National Congress (ANC). These victories have solidified the EFF’s position as a formidable opposition force in the Free State, challenging the ANC’s long-standing dominance in the region.
In the 2024 general elections, the EFF’s support in the Free State saw a significant increase, with the party securing over 20% of the provincial vote, a substantial rise from the 2019 elections, where it garnered around 13%. This upward trajectory has positioned the EFF as a key player in the province’s political landscape, with the potential to further erode the ANC’s support base in future elections.
Reflecting on Past Successes
The EFFSC’s success at UFS and the EFF’s broader achievements in the Free State are not recent phenomena. The EFFSC has been steadily building its presence at UFS over the past decade, with notable victories in previous SRC elections. In the 2021 and 2022 SRC elections, the EFFSC secured a majority of the seats, a testament to the trust and confidence that UFS students have placed in the organization.
These victories have been underpinned by the EFFSC’s commitment to championing the rights of students and advocating for issues that directly affect their lives. The organization has been at the forefront of campaigns against financial exclusion, pushing for increased funding for students and calling for greater transparency in the university’s financial management.
The EFFSC’s success at UFS has also been mirrored in other universities across South Africa, where the organization has made significant gains in SRC elections. This trend reflects the growing appeal of the EFF’s message among young people, particularly students, who are increasingly looking to the party as a vehicle for change in a country grappling with deep-seated inequalities and socio-economic challenges.
Social Media Buzz and Public Reactions
The EFFSC’s victory at UFS has generated significant buzz on social media, with supporters and members of the broader EFF movement celebrating the win. On X and Facebook, EFFSC supporters shared congratulatory messages and expressed their optimism for the future.
The hashtag #EFFSCVictory quickly gained traction, with users sharing images and videos from the UFS campus, capturing the celebratory mood among students. Many highlighted the hard work and dedication of the EFFSC’s “ground forces” who played a crucial role in mobilizing students to vote and ensuring a strong turnout.
On Facebook, the EFF Free State branch shared a statement celebrating the victory, emphasizing the significance of the win in the context of the EFF’s broader political strategy. The statement read, “The victory at UFS is a clear indication that the EFFSC continues to be the voice of students, fighting for their rights and ensuring that their concerns are addressed. We are proud of our fighters who have shown once again that the EFFSC is a force to be reckoned with.”
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