MAHIKENG – Supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have expressed mixed emotions but remained resolute following the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema to five years in prison, with many placing their faith in an ongoing appeal process.
Gathering outside the high court in Mahikeng and later at the Mabato Convention Center, EFF members from all four regions of North West province have been present since the first day of the sentencing proceedings, with some having slept overnight in the city.
Malema was handed a five-year prison sentence but was subsequently granted leave to appeal, and has been released on bail until the appeal is completed.
One EFF supporter, speaking to reporters at the gathering, said: “Firstly I can say we are not happy because he got the sentence, but we are happy because we have been granted for appeal for that sentence. We have confidence with our legal team that the sentence maybe they will say zero sentence or they will find him not guilty.”
When asked why he remained hopeful Malema would not go to prison, the supporter pointed to the case of a co-accused: “Firstly the accused were two. It was that white guy and the commander-in-chief. They released the white guy. So I feel confident because if they can release the white guy, why not releasing Julius because they’ve been found guilty with the same case.”
Another EFF supporter, identifying themselves as a youth command leader, said they were not relieved but had always maintained confidence in the party leader. “We still remain telling South Africans that our president is innocent,” they said. “We do welcome the decision by the magistrate court in East London, but we will continue to support the president. Even the next appearance will still be here. We know that this is a politically motivated case.”
Addressing concerns about the future of the organization, the supporter rejected the notion that Malema’s legal troubles would destroy the EFF. “The EFF is an organization that has its own leaders. We have structures and the commander-in-chief has equipped all of us. His leadership has shown that the EFF is not a one-man show. An attack on the president is an attack on the EFF, but the incarceration of the president is not the end of the EFF because EFF has its own structures and will live beyond the president and even myself.”
Regarding the impact on upcoming municipal elections, the supporter dismissed any disruption: “I don’t think it’s really impacting on our campaign. All hands are on deck. We know as fighters what we need to do on the ground. The commander-in-chief has prepared us for this case. The system wants us to panic and we won’t panic.”
Police were observed maintaining a close watch and conducting operations as supporters gathered and negotiated with business owners in the city center.
