During the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) 10th-anniversary celebration at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday night, a supporter of the party lost his life. The man reportedly fell from level five to level two of the stadium’s stands while dancing after EFF leader Julius Malema’s speech.
Police Investigation and Witness Statements
The incident happened at around 16:30, and authorities confirmed that an inquest docket was opened for investigation. Witnesses have provided statements, and the ongoing investigation seeks to determine the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
EFF Spokesperson’s Statement
In the meantime, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo expressed the party’s deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Tambo stated that the EFF takes responsibility for the funeral arrangements in honor of the man’s life and his participation in the historic celebration of their movement.
The Celebration
The 10th anniversary event was attended by thousands of EFF supporters, mostly young people from different parts of the country. The stadium was painted red to mark the occasion, and Julius Malema addressed the crowd on various issues related to the party’s future plans.
Malema’s Speech
Malema emphasized the EFF’s commitment to protecting the provision of electricity while acknowledging the need for a “just transition” from coal to greener energy sources. He declared that the party would not close coal power stations until equivalent megawatts are produced by greener alternatives. Additionally, he vowed not to sell South African coal to other countries if they are not allowed to use coal themselves.
EFF’s Resilience
The EFF, founded in 2013, has grown into a formidable political force in South Africa, championing the rights of the economically disadvantaged and advocating for radical policies to address inequality and social injustice. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies over the years, the 10th anniversary event served as a testament to the EFF’s resilience and the loyalty of its supporters.
Mourning and Support
The tragic loss of one of the party’s supporters is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. The EFF family and the broader South African community mourn the loss of one of their own. In the coming days, the focus will be on providing comfort and support to the bereaved family while ensuring that the deceased is laid to rest with dignity and respect.
