Eastern Cape – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary Simthembile Madikizela has welcomed his nomination as the party’s mayoral candidate for the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, describing the announcement as both a great honour and a profound responsibility.
Madikizela was officially unveiled as the EFF’s mayoral candidate on Thursday by the party’s Commander-in-Chief, Julius Malema, during a national media briefing where the EFF introduced its mayoral candidates ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The announcement coincided with Madikizela’s birthday, making the occasion personally significant.
Speaking after the announcement, Madikizela expressed gratitude to the EFF leadership for entrusting him with what he described as a historic assignment to transform the municipality into a centre of economic growth and opportunity.
“On the occasion of my birthday, I stand before the people of the Eastern Cape with humility and resolve,” Madikizela said. “Today I accept, with both gratitude and a heavy sense of duty, the responsibility bestowed upon me by the leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters.”
He said his vision is to transform the coastal municipality, named after the late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, into a thriving tourism destination, an industrial hub and a centre of economic activity capable of creating sustainable jobs, restoring dignity and empowering local communities.
Madikizela revealed that his nomination followed extensive engagements with the party’s leadership, who agreed that he should focus his attention on the municipality during the election campaign.
“This announcement was not made lightly. It followed serious, honest and comradely discussions with the leadership of the EFF. It was informed by a collective understanding that to win the future, we must be bold now,” he said.
Reflecting on the ambitious nature of his vision, Madikizela shared a personal moment, recalling that when he first discussed the idea with his wife, she described it as “crazy.”
“She was right,” he said. “Every idea that changes history first sounds impossible. It is expected that some will doubt and even laugh, but we do not doubt. We are certain. We are clear.”
Madikizela acknowledged that the road ahead would not be easy, saying the EFF expects a fiercely contested election.
“The ruling party will not surrender easily. They will contest this ground with everything they have, including high-profile individuals. But the people are tired of empty promises. They are tired of poverty in a municipality that carries the name of one of South Africa’s greatest revolutionaries and is the birthplace of giants such as Oliver Reginald Tambo and many others,” he said.
Outlining his priorities, Madikizela said the EFF’s mission extends beyond winning political office.
“We are going to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality not to occupy offices, but to build factories. Not to cut ribbons, but to open beaches, hotels and industries. Not to beg for investment, but to create it from the ground up with our own people as owners, workers and beneficiaries,” he said.
He concluded by assuring residents that their concerns had been heard and that the EFF was ready to serve them.
“To the people of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality, we hear you. We see you. We are coming to work for you. To the doubters, watch what we do. To the Economic Freedom Fighters, thank you for the trust. We will not betray it.”
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