The EFF has appointed, with immediate effect, Sixolise Gcilishe as its election spokesperson for the May 29 general elections.
Gcilishe currently holds the position of national communications manager for the EFF.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters‘ [EFF] central elections task force [CETF], which is the highest decision-making body on all matters relating to elections, announces Sixolise Gcilishe as election spokesperson for the 2024 national and provincial elections,” the organisation said in a statement on Monday night.
“Fighter Sixolise Gcilishe is currently the head of communications in the president’s office and will, with immediate effect, assume the role of spokesperson.
“All media liaison and communication matters that relate to elections will be led from her office.”
Leigh-Ann Mathys remains the party’s national spokesperson.
Mobilisation of youth and students
Meanwhile, the EFF appointed its ward 11 councillor in the Nkomazi local municipality, Mafia Fane, and member of the National Assembly Naledi Chirwa as convenor and coordinator of the youth and students’ mobilisation committee, respectively.
The party said the youth and students’ mobilisation committee will be responsible for the organisation, agitation and mobilisation of all young people and students to vote for the EFF in the upcoming elections.
Reads the statement: “The youth and student mobilisation committee is mandated to establish election campaign battalions [Mlungisi Madonsela Battalions] of a minimum of 1 000 students in each and every institution of higher learning with a student population of above 5 000 students.”
The battalions of a minimum 20% of the student population of all universities, universities of technology, and technical and vocational education and training college campuses will also be established.
“The Mlungisi Madonsela Battalions are responsible for the mobilisation of voters in and outside campuses to vote for the EFF in the 2024 elections.
“The youth and students’ mobilisation committee will be expected to hold and lead mobilisation programmes and activities in all institutions of higher learning and communities and will present comprehensive numerical reports to the weekly meetings of the EFF CETF meetings.”
The party said it wished Gcilishe, Fane, and Chirwa well in their new responsibilities and expressed confidence that they would fulfil the roles with excellence, dedication, and consistency.
