The newly formed  Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which surprised even established political parties in its first attempt and made a big impression in the recent national elections, says its main target now is to take over all municipalities in 2016.

This was the message during the election victory celebrations at the weekend. It was hosted by the Thulamela sub-region at the Shuma Park Entertainment Centre in Shayandima.

The sub-region managed to send three representatives to the national parliament and one to the provincial parliament, which is not a mean feat for a newly established party. The party is placed third, with 6.35% of the votes (1 169 259 votes) nationally.

The event was attended by, among others, MP Thilivhali Mulaudzi, Limpopo Regional Coordinator David Manamela and the Thulamela sub-region executive.

Party regalia were being sold at the function and many members joined the party officially. The co-ordinator of the sub-region, Mr Thabelo Mukwevho, said that despite the many challenges they had as a new party, they managed to overcome them and garnered many votes. “We have reasons to celebrate. We outsmarted many old political parties and the people who made it possible are the masses you see here,” he said.

MP Mulaudzi said the party was overwhelmed by the support they received during the recent elections. “We have done fairly well and as public representatives we are not on holiday in parliament. We will not rest until all our people have jobs, housing and have the economic muscle and the land that we have always fought for. We are also aiming for taking all municipalities in 2016, which is possible as we have a strategic plan to achieve that,” he said.

Limpopo regional coordinator Mr David Manamela urged members not to be position and power mongers but to serve the party with love.