Malema's conviction puts EFF's future, stability to the test

THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa's prominent opposition party, could be on the brink of serious internal turmoil after party leader Julius Malema was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

Presiding Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down the verdict on Wednesday, and sentencing has been postponed to January 2026.

The charges relate to an incident during the party’s fifth anniversary celebrations in 2018 in the Eastern Cape province.

The offences carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, placing Malema’s political future and that of the EFF under intense scrutiny.

Malema’s former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was charged alongside him, was acquitted.

Since its founding in 2013, the EFF has been synonymous with Malema’s leadership and fiery rhetoric. Analysts warn the party may face a significant leadership dilemma with his position now in jeopardy.