EFF celebrates 12th anniversary with 'Festival of the Poor' rally in Khayelitsha

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will today, July 26, mark their 12th anniversary with a major rally in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, under the theme “Festival of the Poor.”

The celebration was initially scheduled for Mthatha in the Eastern Cape but was relocated following devastating floods in the region.

EFF leadership, together with King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, visited the flood-affected communities of Phola Park, Dekolweni, and Bambanani, offering relief and engaging directly with residents.

“This is how leadership must respond in times of crisis—not through press releases, but by physically being present with the people,” the party said.

The anniversary rally will be held at the same venue where the ANC gave its January 8th Statement earlier this year, showing the EFF’s growing influence in traditional ANC areas.

While the Western Cape remains dominated by the DA, the EFF will use this event to spotlight the ongoing racial and spatial inequalities affecting the province’s communities..

A custom-built 10,000-capacity dome in Khayelitsha will host the celebration, which the EFF says includes essential amenities and is ready to accommodate thousands of Fighters, supporters, and community members from Site B, Site C, TR Section, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Delft, and Belhar.

“This will not just be an event—it will be a Festival of the Poor, a moment to reflect on 12 years of struggle, survival, growth, and victories,” the party added.

“The chosen venue of Khayelitsha is significant,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.

“It is the second-largest township in South Africa, home to thousands of poor and working-class Africans who continue to live under the weight of spatial apartheid and deliberate underdevelopment.”

Thambo also highlighted the importance of aligning the celebration with the party’s grassroots base.

“We must be where the people are, especially the most marginalised, because they are the base, home, and shield of this movement.”

The EFF is using this milestone not only to celebrate its past but also to project its growing political footprint.

Despite what the party calls a deliberate attempt to weaken radical voices through billionaire-backed splinter parties in the 2024 elections, Thambo said the EFF “remains standing” with strong internal structures and disciplined leadership.

“We are not a spaza shop, owned by a family, run from a laptop, or directed from the back seat of a luxury vehicle.”

A diverse musical lineup will entertain supporters throughout the day, with artists including Zee Nxumalo, Alaska, Big Zulu, Daliwonga, Big Nuz, Leemckrazy, Tshidi Malaika, Mindo The Vocalist, Themeka, DJ Boon, Nkosazana Daughter, Sfiso S, Jumbo, Nosipho Siko, Isibane Se Afrika, DJ Milalati, Lusanda Beja, DJ Kaunda, Dee Koala, Mr Thela, Mshayi, DJ Fire, Ta Bravo, DJ Prince, Lutho SA, Mpumi, Zintle Kwaaiman, and Ziggy.

The event will be hosted by Zuki Lamani and Prince MC.

Thambo highlighted the EFF’s growing role in governance, pointing to key portfolios held by EFF MMCs in municipalities such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, and eThekwini.

“EFF is not just a protest movement—we are in government,” he said.

“These are not slogans; they are programmes of action which we continue to champion inside and outside the state.”

Marking 12 years since its formation in 2013, the EFF said it is now shifting its focus toward building economic sovereignty and revitalising the state to serve the poor.

“We must confront the neoliberal policies that continue to paralyse our economy, privatise public services, and surrender decision-making to credit rating agencies, international financial institutions, and unelected consultants,” Thambo said.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

IOL Politics