The protests the EFF organised during their 'national shutdown' were embarrassingly small, much smaller than protests that we have seen in recent years by students, unions and activists. Where the EFF does succeed is in the media, argues IBuccus.
The protests the EFF organised during their 'national shutdown' were embarrassingly small, much smaller than protests that we have seen in recent years by students, unions and grassroots activists. Where the EFF does succeed is in the media, arguesThe EFF's 'national shutdown' failed to attract significant support and seriously damaged the organisation’s credibility.
Where the EFF does succeed is in the media. Several people over the years have made the point that the EFF is a minor party in terms of votes but a major party in terms of media attention. Like other populist formations, like for instance Donald Trump, they get media attention by saying outrageous and threatening things. But unlike Trump, the EFF can't turn this attention into significant support at the polls. This raises an interesting question for the media.
Even if ten percent of the reporting in advance of the failed 'shutdown' had instead been dedicated to an important issue, such as the unemployment crisis or the debates around a basic income grant, we could have made some advance in better understanding our crisis and possible ways to improve our society. This danger of populist political posturing crowding out more serious voices is not taken seriously enough.
Our country faces very, very serious problems. Millions are unemployed, and many of the unemployed are going hungry; our basic infrastructure is falling apart; skilled people are leaving at a frightening rate and our president has shown a complete failure to lead.
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EFF faces ballooning bill for removal of shutdown posters in Cape TownEFF faces ballooning bill for removal of shutdown posters in Cape Town: The EFF is facing a mushrooming bill already exceeding R200,000 for the removal of illegally erected posters advertising the party’s national shutdown across the City of Cape Town.
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EFF faces ballooning bill for removal of shutdown posters in Cape TownThe EFF is facing a mushrooming bill already exceeding R200,000 for the removal of illegally erected posters advertising the party’s national shutdown across the City of Cape Town.
Read more »