Thokozile Mnguni
EFF leader Julius Malema has pledged that the party will continue supporting the children of two deceased party members, saying they would never be left without assistance.
Malema was speaking at the funeral service of EFF Western Cape Provincial Command Team member and councillor Bulelani Yeko and party member Emihle Njambathwa today.
Yeko and Njambathwa died in a fatal road accident on 16 May while returning from an official party deployment.
Addressing mourners, Malema said the EFF would stand by the families of the deceased.
“These children are not orphans because they have got their parents, called the EFF,” he said.
Malema added that the party would ensure the children were supported in the future.
“They will never stay at home and not have money to go to school for as long as the EFF is still alive. It will look after them,” he said.
The EFF leader also used the occasion to defend the party’s call for economic equality.
“I am hated because I say that black and white people must be equal and that all of them should benefit from the resources of this country,” Malema told mourners.
He said South Africans deserved decent employment opportunities.
“We do not want slave jobs, we want jobs that come with appointment letters, benefits and pension funds,” he said.
The EFF said the deaths of Yeko and Njambathwa had come at a critical period during the local government election campaign.
“Their deaths come at a critical period during the election campaign, making the tragedy even more devastating as they died in pursuit of ensuring that the EFF secures total victory in the upcoming local government elections,” the party said.
The EFF described the pair as dedicated members who had served the organisation with loyalty, discipline and commitment.
“They died while serving the organisation with loyalty, discipline and commitment,” the statement said.
The funeral service was attended by senior EFF leadership, including Deputy President Godrich Gardee, Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini, National Chairperson Nontando Nolutshungu, Head of Presidency Vuyani Pambo, national spokesperson Thembi Msane, Eastern Cape chairperson Zilindile Vena and Western Cape chairperson Unathi Ntame.
Malema concluded his address with a revolutionary song as mourners gathered to bid farewell to the two fighters.
Gardee also attended the funeral of Gomolemo Elizabeth Mokgosi in Batlharos, Northern Cape. Mokgosi was the mother of EFF Central Command Team member Nkagisang Leeuw. He told mourners that the party stood in solidarity with the family during its time of grief.