The Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, has announced the launch of a youth command whilst officially dissolving its student command. Malema revealed that the resolution was taken during the party's first plenum of the 3rd National People's Assembly , as well as the First Central Command team (CCT) meeting, which were both held in Bela Bela, Limpopo, from last Thursday until yesterday.

DISSOLVED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY 

Malema announced that the EFF Student Command, which was the only youth structure in the party existing in tertiary institutions, has been dissolved effective immediately. He told the media that guidelines were presented to the CCT for the establishment of sub-regional command teams and for the establishment of the youth command, which he said will be distributed to all structures in due course. "A provision has been made to ensure the EFF SRC remains with its status in institutions of higher learning where the organisation won SRC elections to avoid attempts by enemy forces to nullify their democratic victories on the basis of their dissolution." He added that once their status as the EFF Youth Command is confirmed, elections will then be contested with the status of the EFF Youth Command. "The EFF Youth Command will be convened by Commissar Sihle Lonzi, while the Co-ordinator for the EFF Youth Command will be Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose.

MALEMA ON SANDF

Malema said the EFF remains firm in its stance that the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the Democratic Republic of Congo is reckless and unjustifiable. "The deployment of our soldiers to the DRC is reckless and unjustifiable, with the increasing hostilities involving the M23 rebels. It is imperative that SA withdraws the troops to ensure their safety," he said. He added that the escalation of tensions represents a clear risk, and it is unacceptable for our soldiers to be called into a conflict where their presence does not serve the interests of peace in the region. "We are also aware that Rwanda deliberately targeted South African forces and President Cyril Ramaphosa must act decisively. SA cannot continue diplomatic and trade relations with a nation that undermines its sovereignty and endangers its citizens. If Rwanda is found to be directly responsible for the attacks on our troops, then all trade agreements with the country must be revoked without any hesitation. The embassy of Rwanda should be closed with immediate effect because we cannot share soil with people who have the blood of South Africans in their hands."