The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) made headlines recently when they demanded that their deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, be appointed as the new Finance Minister. This request came as a surprise to many, but the EFF had their reasons for making this bold move.

Initially, it seemed like just another routine cabinet reshuffle when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet last week. However, all eyes were on the EFF, waiting to see if their demand for Shivambu to be given the Finance Minister position would be met.

The EFF has always been a party that is not afraid to voice their opinions and make bold statements. This demand for Shivambu to be given the Finance Minister position is just another proof of their fearless and unapologetic stance when it comes to fighting for economic freedom in South Africa.

But why did the EFF want Shivambu to be the new Finance Minister? The answer lies in his qualifications and track record. Shivambu is a highly educated and experienced politician who holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand. He has also served as a Member of Parliament for six years and has been the EFF’s deputy president since the party’s inception in 2013.

Understandably, the EFF was disappointed when President Ramaphosa announced Tito Mboweni as the new Finance Minister. Mboweni, a former governor of the Reserve Bank, does not have a strong background in economics, and this was one of the reasons why the EFF felt that he was not the right person for the job.

The EFF stated that Shivambu would have been the ideal candidate for the Finance Minister position due to his extensive knowledge and experience in economic policies and his commitment to fighting for economic freedom for all South Africans.

Shivambu himself has expressed his interest in the Finance Minister position, stating that he is ready to take on the responsibility and make a positive impact on the country’s economy. He has also emphasized that his appointment would have been a significant step towards economic transformation in South Africa.

The EFF’s demand for Shivambu to be appointed as the Finance Minister was met with mixed reactions. Some praised the party for their bold move, while others criticized them for being too ambitious and unrealistic. However, for the EFF, this demand was not just about Shivambu’s qualifications and capabilities. It was a statement of intent, a message to the government and the people of South Africa that they are serious about bringing about economic change in the country.

The EFF has always been a strong advocate for radical economic transformation, and their demand for Shivambu as the Finance Minister was in line with their vision for economic freedom. The party believes that the current economic structure in South Africa is not beneficial to the majority of its citizens, and drastic measures need to be taken to rectify this.

Shivambu’s appointment as the Finance Minister would have been a bold and progressive move towards achieving the EFF’s goal of economic freedom. It would have sent a clear message that the government is committed to addressing the economic inequalities that exist in the country.

It is also worth noting that in the 2017 local government elections, the EFF emerged as the second-largest opposition party, surpassing the Democratic Alliance. This is a testament to the growing support and influence that the party has gained over the years. The EFF’s demand for Shivambu to be appointed as Finance Minister is an indication that the party is not afraid to take on more significant roles and responsibilities.

In conclusion, the EFF’s initial request for Shivambu to be given the Finance Minister position was a bold move that attracted significant attention. Whether or not this demand will become a reality remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that the EFF’s determination to fight for economic freedom will not be stopped by any setback. The party will continue to push for radical economic transformation and ensure that the voices of ordinary South Africans are not silenced.