EFF Anticipates 10,000 Supporters for ‘Victory March’ to National Treasury

JOHANNESBURG – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are preparing for a massive mobilization on Monday afternoon, anticipating the participation of around 10,000 supporters in what they are calling a “victory march” to the National Treasury in Pretoria. This event marks a significant moment for the party, as it celebrates what it claims to be a political win over the government’s decision to reverse a planned increase in value-added tax (VAT).

EFF leader Julius Malema has framed the march as a victory for the people, praising the collective efforts of party members and supporters who stood firm against a tax hike they argued would have disproportionately burdened low- and middle-income South Africans. The march’s rallying cry is not one of anger or frustration, but one of celebration and political empowerment.

“This is a celebration of the people’s power,” Malema said at the gathering near the Union Buildings. “We stood firm against the VAT hike, and now we’re marching not in anger, but in victory.”

The VAT increase, which had been proposed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, was met with widespread criticism from various sectors, including opposition parties and civil society groups. The EFF claims that its persistent public pressure and vocal opposition played a pivotal role in persuading the government to backtrack on the decision. For many South Africans struggling with the cost of living, the withdrawal of the VAT hike is seen as a crucial reprieve.

Unlike many previous EFF protests that have been characterized by heated rhetoric and confrontational tactics, Monday’s march has taken on a distinctly festive and jubilant atmosphere. The supporters, clad in the party’s signature red attire, are joyfully singing struggle songs and chanting slogans as they assemble around the Union Buildings, a symbolic seat of political power in South Africa.

EFF celebrates VAT reversal with major mobilization effort in Tshwane

The streets surrounding the venue have already become a sea of red, with thousands of supporters arriving by bus from different parts of Tshwane. According to EFF Gauteng Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga, the mobilization efforts have been focused strictly on local residents within the city. “We are anticipating anything between 8,000 and 10,000 people of Tshwane to be here,” Dunga said. “We have not bussed anyone outside the city of Tshwane. That’s how we normally do our mobilisation as the EFF – we centre it around the areas that we would have the programme of action.”

To ensure the safety of participants and minimize disruption, several key streets in Pretoria’s Central Business District have been closed to vehicular traffic. The police have also deployed a significant presence to maintain order, manage crowd control, and direct traffic away from the march route.

The EFF’s ability to mobilize thousands of people quickly and effectively underscores its continuing influence as a major political force, particularly among working-class and economically marginalized communities. The “victory march” is more than just a celebration; it is a strategic demonstration of the party’s strength ahead of upcoming national elections, showcasing its grassroots support and capacity to shape political discourse.

Political analysts note that this event highlights the growing trend of popular movements using public demonstrations to effect policy change in South Africa. The EFF’s march, in particular, sends a clear message that activism inside and outside formal parliamentary processes can produce tangible results. The withdrawal of the VAT hike, according to the party, is proof that when ordinary citizens organize and raise their voices collectively, those in power are compelled to listen.

Senior EFF leaders are scheduled to deliver speeches at the National Treasury offices, reinforcing the party’s commitment to advocating for economic justice and equitable policies. The leaders have also emphasized the importance of peaceful and law-abiding conduct throughout the march to maintain the legitimacy and positive impact of their political message.

While the party has not yet announced plans for further demonstrations, officials have hinted that the EFF will remain vigilant and ready to mobilize again if economic policies detrimental to the poor and working class are proposed. The VAT victory march may well be the beginning of a sustained campaign by the EFF to influence South Africa’s fiscal and social policy landscape.

The march’s significance extends beyond the immediate political gains. It serves as a reminder of the persistent socio-economic challenges facing millions of South Africans—high unemployment, poverty, and inequality—and the need for continued pressure on government institutions to enact reforms that prioritize the welfare of the majority.

As the crowd gathers in Pretoria on Monday, the energy and optimism among EFF supporters reflect a broader desire for change and empowerment. For many, the march symbolizes hope that grassroots activism can shape a fairer and more inclusive economic future.

In summary, the EFF’s “victory march” to the National Treasury stands as both a celebration of a recent political win and a demonstration of the party’s ongoing commitment to fighting for the economic rights of South Africa’s marginalized populations. With thousands expected to participate, the march will be a pivotal moment in the country’s political calendar—one that reinforces the role of popular mobilization in shaping government policy and advancing social justice.

Source- EWN