Naledi Chirwa Demoted On EFF Candidate List: Social Media Reacts

On Tuesday, Naledi Chirwa, a prominent member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), found herself at the centre of attention on social media.

However, it seems that she may not have been aware of her newfound fame as she remained silent on the matter. Chirwa’s absence from the public eye may have been a deliberate choice, hoping that the attention would soon fade away.

The reason for Chirwa’s sudden popularity was the release of the EFF’s candidate list for the upcoming elections.

To her surprise and disappointment, Chirwa discovered that she had been demoted from her previous position of 40th on the national candidate list to a lowly 200th. This demotion effectively means that she is unlikely to retain her seat in parliament. Furthermore, she was also ranked at a modest 47th on the Gauteng candidate list.

Unsurprisingly, the top spots on the candidate list were occupied by party leader Julius Malema, followed by Ntombovuyo Veronica Nkuna in second place and Deputy President Floyd Shivambu in third.

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Chirwa’s political downfall appears to be linked to her absence during the Budget Speech in February. Attendance at such parliamentary sessions is a duty, and her failure to provide a reason for her absence resulted in a fine.

In response, Chirwa issued a public apology on social media, explaining that her four-month-old daughter was ill, necessitating her return home. She clarified that her daughter is currently with her mother until after the elections, allowing her to focus on organizational work and contribute to the EFF’s post-election government plans.

Chirwa admitted that she should have reported her absence to the designated whip in their parliamentary caucus rather than to the organization itself. However, it seems that social media users were not sympathetic to her explanation.

Instead, Tuesday saw a flurry of scathing posts criticizing Chirwa’s change in political fortune. Some even suggested that this demotion was a strategic move to remove her from the party.

One user on Twitter pointed out that prominent figures like Dali Mpofu and Goodrich Gardee were ranked higher on the candidate list at 11th and 7th place, respectively. They further speculated that the EFF might not secure the expected 40 seats after the elections, implying that power dynamics within the party were shifting. The user also mentioned other individuals on the list, such as Jimmy Manyi at 41 and Carl Niehaus at 27.

Another user expressed their scepticism about Chirwa’s prospects, stating that South Africans needed to rally behind her to ensure she secured the 30th position. Meanwhile, others made sarcastic comments about Chirwa’s financial situation, suggesting that she would have to spend her last salary on gazebos.

🔴 NALEDI CHIRWA BOOTED OUT OF CANDIDATES TO PARLY🔴

In a recently released EFF Parliament list to IEC, Naledi Chirwa appears on number 200 in the EFF list. Making it completely impossible for her to return to Parliament.

She is number last. Even from a Gauteng list, she way… pic.twitter.com/JS19COsgiH

— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) March 26, 2024

🔴 NALEDI CHIRWA BOOTED OUT OF CANDIDATES TO PARLY🔴

In a recently released EFF Parliament list to IEC, Naledi Chirwa appears on number 200 in the EFF list. Making it completely impossible for her to return to Parliament.

She is number last. Even from a Gauteng list, she way… pic.twitter.com/JS19COsgiH

— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) March 26, 2024

Naledi Chirwa moved from number 40 to 200 in EFF MP list.. the party must get over 40% in may elections for her to go back, Julius doesn’t play 😫 pic.twitter.com/efI3r8F1tY

— SITHALE✍🏿 (@SithaleKgaogelo) March 26, 2024

It is clear that Chirwa’s demotion on the candidate list has sparked significant debate and criticism on social media. T

he EFF will need to secure over 40% of the votes in order for Chirwa to retain her seat in parliament. Whether this will happen remains to be seen, but it is evident that Chirwa’s political future hangs in the balance.