By Lesego Mahlangu
Opinion Piece
The tragic killing of Councilor Moshe Mphahlele by the police force in Johannesburg stands as a stark contradiction to the ideological posture of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). This incident not only raises questions about the conduct of the police but also about the inherent compromises involved when a revolutionary party like the EFF enters coalitions that impede its ability to effect true institutional transformation.
Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, once emphasized the critical role of political education and theory in shaping institutional culture. He believed that a well-informed and ideologically grounded political framework was essential for true societal transformation. The EFF, with its foundation deeply rooted in revolutionary principles, should ideally exemplify this approach in all its undertakings, particularly in areas as sensitive as public safety and community engagements.
The EFF’s coalition with other political entities in the City of Johannesburg, where they preside over the portfolio of public safety, has placed them in a precarious position. The oversight responsibilities held by Councilor Mphahlele during a community protest for housing, in Alexandra, were meant to reflect the EFF’s commitment to the people. Instead, his death has highlighted the dangers and compromises that come with coalition agreements that dilute the revolutionary zeal and ideological purity of the party.
The allegations that private security deployed by the Gauteng provincial government of the ANC and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, under the oversight of the MMC of the City of Johannesburg (EFF), were involved in Mphahlele’s killing, are deeply troubling. These entities, which operate under a misled political and ideological framework, seem to have resorted to violent measures that starkly oppose the EFF’s principles.
One of the core ideological theories advanced by the EFF is a code of conduct that would never condone the use of violence against community demonstrations. The party advocates for a community-focused approach, emphasizing dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, much to councilor Mphahlele’s character. The use of force, particularly the barrel of the gun, against people exercising their right to protest for basic needs like housing, is antithetical to the EFF’s vision of a just and equitable society.
Cardinal Pillar Number 3: A Guiding Principle.
Cardinal pillar number 3 of the EFF which asserts building State and government capacity – speaks to the need for public servants to be deeply entrenched in political theory that sharpens their professional skills, work ethics, and institutional culture. This guiding principle advocates for a public service that is not only competent but also ideologically aligned with the revolutionary goals of the EFF. The aim is to cultivate a cadre of public servants who are committed to serving the people with integrity, justice, and an unwavering commitment to revolutionary change.
The killing of Councilor Mphahlele starkly highlights the absence of such ideological grounding among the current security cluster in South Africa. It underscores the urgent need for the EFF to enforce this cardinal pillar across all levels of government, ensuring that public servants are not merely bureaucrats but revolutionary agents of change. This approach would prevent the kind of brutal and reactionary measures that led to Mphahlele’s death, fostering instead a culture of empathy, respect, and genuine service to the community.
A Call to EFF Deployed Members.
This tragic moment should serve as a wake-up call for all EFF members deployed across various government structures. It is not a time for cozying up to the ANC or any other political parties that do not adhere to revolutionary conduct. The coalition era demands that EFF representatives act as the mouthpiece of the black majority, exposing the lies and hollow victories claimed by the ANC and those who govern to maintain the status quo.
Councilor Tshwaka of the EFF, who bears direct responsibility for the oversight of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, must also take heed. The accountability he must embrace should be informed by a clear understanding of the kind of political character he is dealing with in the ANC. This is the same ANC that has a history of violent repression against those demanding basic rights, from the killing of Andries Tatane during service delivery protests to the Marikana massacre where miners were shot for demanding decent wages, and the ongoing harassment of students fighting for free, decolonized, quality education.
The killing of Councilor Mphahlele should serve as a warning sign for the EFF and all progressive forces across all sectors. It underscores the inherent risks of compromising on core principles in the pursuit of political alliances. The EFF must tirelessly evaluate its position within coalition governments and consider whether these arrangements truly allow it to advance its revolutionary agenda or if they merely serve to entangle it in the very systems of oppression it seeks to dismantle.
In memory of Councilor Mphahlele and in honor of his commitment to the community, the EFF must strive to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. This means asserting its ideological stance more firmly and resisting any alliances that force it to compromise on its core principles. Only then can the EFF hope to bring about the true institutional transformation envisioned by leaders like Thomas Sankara and embodied in the party’s foundational ideology.
