By Simon Nare
The EFF’s top six leaders were elected unopposed on Saturday night, with former secretary-general Godrich Gardee making a return to the leadership and Julius Malema retaining his position as party leader for another five years.
Gardee returns in a more influential role as deputy president, becoming the second most powerful leader in the party.
Also making a comeback is former treasurer-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, who was elected as deputy secretary-general.
Gardee lost to Marshal Dlamini in the previous conference, while Mathys was defeated by Omphile Maotwe.
Dlamini retained his position as secretary-general, and Maotwe held onto her role as treasurer-general.
Nontando Nolutshungu was elected as the national chairperson.
There was no room in the top six for former deputy secretary Poppy Mailola or former national chairperson Zovuyo Veronica Mente, but both secured spots as additional members.
After being elected unopposed, the top six took their places on the podium.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Chairperson of the Elections Committee, declared the election process free, fair, and fully compliant with the party’s constitution and standards.
All elected candidates met the required threshold after being nominated from the floor.
With no contestation, there was no need for a ballot or secret vote.
According to the party’s constitution and election guidelines, any candidate who meets the threshold without opposition is declared duly elected.
By late Saturday night, delegates were nominating members of the Central Command Team, which, as per the party’s constitution, must consist of 60 members, 33 of whom must be women.
To qualify as an additional member, a candidate must secure at least 25% support from the floor.
The conference is expected to end on Sunday, with Malema delivering the keynote address.
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