Eff MP’s ranking at number 200 marks a significant shift from her previous placement at number 30 in 2019

In a surprising turn of events, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member of Parliament (MP) Naledi Chirwa has clinched the final spot on the party’s candidate list, a stark contrast from her prominent position at number 30 in the previous election cycle.

Chirwa’s placement at number 200 on the EFF’s candidate list, submitted to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), follows a recent public apology issued by the MP for missing parliamentary sessions. Her low ranking underscores a notable shift in her political standing within the party.

The controversy surrounding Chirwa’s public apology emerged weeks ago when she expressed regret for her absence during crucial parliamentary proceedings, including a vote on the impeachment of former Western Cape Judge President John Hlope. Despite attempts to demonstrate her commitment to the party by delaying maternity leave until the eleventh hour, her apology drew criticism from EFF leader Julius Malema, who deemed it inappropriate and potentially damaging to the organization’s image.

Chirwa’s political trajectory has taken a downturn since her emergence as a dynamic voice in the Fees Must Fall movement. In the 2019 elections, she entered Parliament at a high position on the EFF’s candidate list, symbolizing a new wave of youthful leadership within the party. However, her recent missteps, including the tone of her public apology, appear to have reshaped her political future, relegating her to the bottom of the candidate list for the upcoming elections.

While the EFF currently holds 44 seats in Parliament, it remains unlikely that all 200 candidates on its list will secure positions in the upcoming elections. Chirwa’s unexpected ranking signals a shift in the party’s approach to candidate selection and underscores the challenges faced by emerging politicians within the political landscape