Former ANC spokesperson and African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance (Areta) leader Carl Niehaus has urged former African National Congress (ANC) and South African President Jacob Zuma not to campaign for the party ahead of the 2024 national elections. Niehaus said this during a media briefing yesterday as he was unveiled as the new member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after dumping his newly formed Areta party.
DUMPING HIS PARTY FOR THE RED BERETS
Niehaus confirmed that Areta was not going to register to contest in the upcoming 2024 general elections. "We will join the EFF in our capacity as individual members starting with me as I am standing here today," he announced. Niehaus also called on Zuma not to campaign for the ANC ahead of the elections. Niehaus follows the likes of the former public protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane and former ANC Youth League leader, Magasela Mzobe, who have joined the EFF. Mkhwebane is now serving as a Member of Parliament for the party. Furthermore, the co-founder of Areta, Nkosentsha Shezi also urged their members to join the EFF.
REPRESENTING THE WORKING CLASS
EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu welcomed Niehaus to the party. "Welcome Fighter Carl Niehaus! We do not doubt your revolutionary struggle credentials because the puppets of the Oppenheimers, you courageously and selflessly fought against apartheid colonialism," Shivambu said, adding that they appreciate the call for unity of all progressive left forces because the white capitalist establishment is working day and night to consolidate the unity of reactionary rightwing forces. "We will emerge victorious because we represent the working class majority of our people. Let's fight on until victory. It's No surrender! No retreat! Fighter Carl is a fearless Freedom Fighter, who even in the face of death and intimidation by the apartheid racist courts, stood firm on principle and correctly characterised apartheid as a crime against humanity. It's therefore logical for fearless Freedom Fighters to join a fearless, militant and radical economic emancipation movement, the EFFSouth Africa! It's on until victory," said Shivambu. Niehaus was kicked out of the ANC following numerous attempts to have his membership card revoked in 2022.
