In a statement jointly signed by Sepetlele Raseruthe, Regional Chairperson and Tiyiselani Chauke, Media and Communication Officer, EFF argues that this move not only undermines the working class but also betrays South Africa’s unemployed youth, who remain on the fringes of economic and social life.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has firmly rejected the proposal by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero to enlist documented foreign nationals as Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers, labeling it as "reactionary and anti-worker."
In a statement jointly signed by Sepetlele Raseruthe, Regional Chairperson and Tiyiselani Chauke, Media and Communication Officer, EFF argues that this move not only undermines the working class but also betrays South Africa’s unemployed youth, who remain on the fringes of economic and social life.
Quoting Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the EFF stated, "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles."
The party sees the proposal as an intensification of class struggle against South Africa’s working people, adding that "it is an affront to the sovereignty of our nation, a sovereignty earned through the blood and sacrifice of our people in the fight against colonialism and apartheid."
The EFF criticized the state’s approach to addressing language barriers in law enforcement by employing foreign nationals, arguing that "the state, as an instrument of class rule, must serve the interests of its people first and foremost."
This stance, the EFF suggests, is indicative of the disarray within the African National Congress (ANC), which has been marred by "confusion and lack of direction."
The party pointed to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's public disagreement with Mayor Morero as evidence of the internal contradictions within the ANC.
Highlighting South Africa's unemployment crisis, with a rate of 32.9% and youth unemployment at 45.5%, the EFF emphasized the need for the government to invest in its citizens rather than outsourcing jobs.
"A revolution is impossible without a revolutionary situation," the EFF remarked, quoting Lenin, and called on the state to create sustainable employment for South Africans.
The EFF demanded that the City of Johannesburg "immediately abandon this reactionary proposal" and focus on empowering the youth to serve their communities with pride.
"This is not merely a demand for jobs; it is a demand for dignity, sovereignty, and the fulfillment of the revolutionary promise made to our people," the statement continued.
The party called on all South Africans to reject the proposal, stressing that the "disunity and confusion within the ANC should not be allowed to derail the aspirations of our people."
The EFF vowed to "hold those in power accountable" and to fight to ensure that the revolutionary gains of South Africa's struggle are not eroded by "the forces of reaction and opportunism."
The EFF further reaffirmed their commitment to economic freedom, urging all South Africans to join in the struggle to "defend the dignity and sovereignty of our nation."
The statement reads, “The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) categorically reject the reactionary and anti- worker proposal by the Joburg ANC Chairperson and Mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, to enlist documented foreign nationals as Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers under the pretext of addressing language barriers.
“This proposal is not only a capitulation to neoliberal ideology but also a betrayal of the working class, particularly the unemployed youth of South Africa, who continue to be relegated to the margins of economic and social life.
“The disarray within the ANC is glaringly evident, as seen in the confusion and lack of direction that plagues the party. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's public denouncement of Morero's view is a testament to the internal contradictions and disunity that have become synonymous with the ANC's governance.
“This disorganization not only undermines the credibility of the government but also has dire consequences for policy implementation, as conflicting positions within the ruling party leave the people of South Africa without coherent leadership.”