South Africa: a closer look at the EFF’s policies

A key concern around South Africa’s upcoming election is that the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) could get into government as part of what’s being dubbed in some quarters as a “doomsday coalition” with the ANC. This Focus takes a closer look at the EFF’s economic plans. Many of its more radical policies, such as rapid and large-scale land expropriation and widespread nationalisations, are unlikely to see the light of day. But an ANC-EFF tie up would almost certainly result in looser fiscal policy and steps that undermine the Reserve Bank’s inflation-fighting capacity. On the international stage, South Africa would probably move even further into China’s orbit.

All our research on South Africa’s upcoming election can be found on a dedicated webpage. And we will be discussing the vote in an online briefing on 23rd May. Sign up here.