By Thapelo Molefe
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Saturday laid to rest its kuGompo Sub-Regional Secretary, Loyiso Mangisa, at his home in Mdletyeni Village in Tsomo in the Eastern Cape.
Mangisa, who passed away following an illness, was described by party leaders and members as a committed activist and disciplined organiser who played a key role in advancing the EFF’s programme in the East London region, now referred to as kuGompo.
The funeral service, attended by party leadership, family, friends, and scores of EFF fighters, formed part of a series of events that included a memorial service held earlier this week on Thursday at Calvary Church in Quigney.
During the memorial, EFF provincial leaders and regional structures paid tribute to Mangisa’s contribution to the struggle for economic freedom.
Fighters and commissars arrived at the funeral in full EFF regalia, filling the village with red berets and uniforms, while singing songs of struggle as they paid their final respects.
The atmosphere reflected both mourning and celebration of Mangisa’s life, with struggle songs echoing throughout the proceedings.
Member of the Central Command Team and kuGompo Sub-Region convenor Chumani Matiwane told mourners that Mangisa’s discipline and unwavering commitment embodied the backbone of the organisation.
“The discipline and unwavering commitment demonstrated by Fighter Loyiso embody the very backbone of the organisation, especially in moments that test its strength,” he said.
EFF Eastern Cape chairperson Zilindile Vena, who facilitated the memorial service, said the party had lost a dependable leader who remained grounded in community struggles.
Mangisa was recently elected as sub-regional secretary in 2025 and was known among fellow members as “Fighter Lloyd”. The EFF said he consistently stood firm on the side of poor and vulnerable communities.
Earlier, party leaders visited the Mangisa family home as part of ongoing support and condolence efforts, pledging to ensure he was laid to rest with dignity.
Fighters and commissars accompanied Mangisa to his final resting place, describing his passing as a significant loss to the organisation and vowing that his legacy would continue to inspire their work.
