The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will not attend the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments currently underway. 

The dialogue, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been organised by government and is taking place in Cape Town on August 4 and 5.

The EFF has decried the African National Congress' (ANC’s) facilitation of the event and views this as the governing party’s desperate attempt to facilitate how it ought to be removed from power. 

“Our principled position is clear and uncompromising: everywhere the ANC is below 50%, opposition parties must unite to take the ANC out of power. Coalition government frameworks and discussions cannot, and must neither be negotiated nor presided over by those who cling to power while people suffer,” stated EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo.

Apart from what the EFF calls a “lack of impartiality” in this dialogue, due to the ANC’s involvement, the EFF has expressed its recognition of the importance of coalition governments as a way to reflect the diverse voices and needs of society.

“The EFF emphasises the importance of an independent and transparent process that is free from the influence of the ruling party, for the development of a framework that truly serves the people of the Republic of South Africa at national, provincial and local government levels,” said Tambo.