EFF responds to Chirwa backlash

THE EFF has denied allegations by social media users that Naledi Chirwa was being punished. 

This after social media went abuzz when they saw her name being placed on number 200 on the party's Parliament candidate list that was submitted to the IEC for the 2024 general elections. 

In the previous general elections in 2019, Chirwa was placed on number 30 on the list. She became one of the youngest Member of Parliament (MP). 

Many attributed her demotion to her failure to attend the budget speech as her four-month-old daughter wasn't feeling well on the day. 

The EFF MP then issued a public apology after being fined by the party. She was further instructed to buy two branded gazebos costing at least R10 000 as a fine for her absence. 

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Chirwa took to X and apologised for her absence. 

“I am regretful for failing to attend Parliament. My four-month-old daughter was sick and so I went home. My daughter is currently with my mother until post-election. This is to allow me the opportunity to be completely engaged in organisational work during this period and to form part of the collective that will usher an EFF government post May 29. 

"This has no bearing on my commitment and dedication to my beloved organisation and South Africa. I don't doubt my commitment to the movement of the people and the responsibility we have been entrusted with in the Parliament of South Africa,” Chirwa said.

However, the EFF has dismissed the allegations that Chirwa was placed on 200 in the list sent to IEC because she failed to attend the budget speech recently. 

EFF's national spokesman, Sinawo Thambo, said no one is in any position as a result of anything but the outcomes of the democratic process of the EFF list conference and the finalisation of the list by the EFF list committee. Some of the EFF's candidates who are likely to be Members of Parliament include Carl Niehaus and Ringo Madlingozi.