The Economic Freedom Fighters: South Africa’s Turn Towards Populism?

Abstract

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has made an impact on South African politics since it was launched in 2013.After the general election 2014 EFF became third-largest National Assembly and official opposition North West Limpopo provinces.Some commentators have raised concerns that EFF''s success represents a turn towards dangerous populism politics.This article seeks to analyse as populist by arguing fits into global pattern of electoral politics.It uses category ''political style '', developed Benjamin Moffitt Simon Tormey (2014), discuss brand espoused EFF.The argues performative elements -its uniform rhetoric, well its engagement with national provincial legislatures -have had effect sparking debate about relevance country''s political institutions 20 years democratic rule.