Carl Niehaus, a former ANC Military Veteran leader and the face of the African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance (ARETA), made a significant political shift by joining the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Carl Niehaus becomes the latest ex-ANC member to join the EFF
This move, unveiled during a virtual media briefing on Thursday, came as a surprise to many who had anticipated his alliance with Ace Magashule’s African Congress for Transformation (ACT).
Niehaus, a figure deeply rooted in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and a prominent member of the ANC, has abandoned his 10-month-old party, ARETA, to don the red berets of the EFF.
Niehaus becomes the latest ANC-aligned figure to jump ship, with other notable figures like former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who have recently joined the EFF.
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During the announcement, Niehaus encouraged his fellow ARETA members to join the EFF as individual members.
He also extended a call to other parties such as the PAC, Azapo, APC, ATM, and the UDM to unite with the EFF ahead of the 2024 election.
“We will join the EFF also in our capacity as individual members, starting with me as I am standing here today,” he said.
Niehaus’s political journey has been marked by his dedication to the liberation movement, serving in various capacities within the ANC.
However, his career has not been without controversy. He faced several challenges, including allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, which often put him at odds with the party’s leadership and policies.
His vocal criticism of certain ANC decisions, especially those involving legal proceedings against key figures like former President Jacob Zuma, further strained his relations with the party.
The culmination of these tensions led to the revocation of his ANC membership, a dramatic turn in his long-standing relationship with the party.
This move marked the end of an era for Niehaus within the ANC and opened a new chapter with the EFF.