EFF expects around 10k people to participate in 'victory march' to National Treasury

JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is expecting around 10,000 people to take part in its march to the National Treasury in Pretoria, on Monday afternoon.

Party leader Julius Malema said the march is meant to celebrate what he described as a "victory" in opposing the value-added tax (VAT) increase.

The party claims its pressure on Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana played a role in the decision to reverse the tax hike.

EFF supporters, clad in their signature red, are joyfully chanting struggle songs at the Union Buildings, celebrating the withdrawal of the VAT increase.

Unlike the usual tone of frustration at most EFF protests, Monday’s atmosphere is completely different, with supporters visibly pleased to have escaped the financial burden of a VAT hike.

Buses continue to transport more EFF members to the starting point, but already, the precinct around the Union Buildings is a sea of red.

EFF Gauteng Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said it's all systems go.

“So, we are anticipating anything between 8,000 and 10,000 people of Tshwane to be here. We have not bussed anyone outside the city of Tshwane. That’s how we normally do our mobilisation as the EFF – we centre it around the areas that we would have the programme of action.”

Several streets in the CBD have been closed to traffic, with a heavy police presence throughout the inner city.