Malema defends EFF's ideological stance against critics who label him a dictator and authoritarian

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has defended the party's ideological stance against critics who label him a dictator and authoritarian.

This comes as some have accused Malema of exhibiting a leadership style that does not align with democratic principles.

Malema presented the EFF’s political report at the party's elective conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg.

READ: Malema to reflect on EFF's achievements and losses at elective conference

EFF leader Julius Malema delivered an ideological speech, seemingly reaffirming the party’s core stance.

The speech referenced Marxism and Leninism, linking these ideologies to the party's policies, which oppose capitalism and promote a socialist agenda.

Malema says due to his firm leadership style and ideological position, some have falsely characterized the EFF as an authoritarian organization.

 "We must never allow our enemies to define us. No one has any ideological basis to call the EFF authoritarian. The very system we live under thrives through authority and the authority of the few."

He has urged EFF supporters to remain true to the party’s ideological position.