ANC is the 'bodyguard of capitalism': EFF

The ruling party is the "bodyguard of capitalism" in the country, the Economic Freedom Fighters said on Monday.

"In the post-1994 period, the ANC has rendered South African society demoralised," said Mlungisi Rapolile, the party's political education and policy researcher.

"The ANC government is the bodyguard of white capital monopoly."

Rapolile was presenting the EFF's founding manifesto at the party's elective congress at the University of Free State's Bloemfontein campus.

"[President Jacob] Zuma, [ANC secretary general Gwede] Mantashe and [deputy president Cyril] Ramaphosa are bodyguards of capitalism."

He encouraged delegates at the congress to read and learn about Marxism and know the EFF manifesto "by heart".

Rapolile said black economic empowerment was a project to further promote capitalism.

"They all hide behind black economic empowerment, a posture for capitalism."

The country's heroes who achieved freedom would be disappointed with the current government.

"If [anti-apartheid activist] Solomon Mahlangu would wake up today, he would cry. The ANC has compromised what was achieved by our forefathers."

The party's elected top six leaders were expected to be introduced to delegates. The delegates would elect additional committee members.