EDITORIAL | EFF's treatment of MP Naledi Chirwa seems to contradict its pro-women manifesto

In the face of MPs who can barely stay awake during crucial parliamentary sittings, it's commendable for the EFF to hold their representatives accountable and demand they take their roles seriously. However, there's a thin line between accountability and undermining the dignity of leadership.

This week EFF MP Naledi Chirwa publicly apologised for, in her words, "failing to send an apology (for missing the budget speech last month) through proper channels". This apology followed EFF leader Julius Malema's promise of accountability for MPs who missed the impeachment vote of Western Cape judge president John Mandlakayise Hlophe on the same day.

Chirwa took to her social media accounts, explaining her absence due to her sick four-month-old daughter. She admitted fault for not reporting her absence to the EFF parliament chief whip but directly to the party, bypassing the proper reporting procedure.

Despite attending a parliamentary committee meeting virtually on the same day, Chirwa couldn't attend the budget speech due to the lack of a hybrid facility. As part of her sanction, she was also instructed to purchase two EFF gazebos, each costing R5,000.

The EFF, known for advocating for workers' rights, seems to contradict its principles by publicly reprimanding Chirwa, a mother and MP, for her explanation and apology. It's reasonable for any employer to grant family responsibility leave in such circumstances, especially when the employee communicates their situation, as Chirwa did.

Chirwa stated in her apology that she had taken her sick child to her mother to avoid further disruptions during the election period. This highlights the challenges faced by working mothers and how the family unit is compromised when women are forced to choose between career or family.

On Chirwa, the triple punishment she received — being separated from her child, issuing a public apology and facing a financial sanction — seems excessive.

The EFF's 2024 election manifesto reads like a dream for women who seek to be recognised and given the respect they deserve, especially on the work front.

The opening of this says: "The EFF recognises and acknowledges that women's struggles have worsened in the past 30 years of the democratic dispensation, with women suffering all forms of violations and brutality from all walks of life, especially the government itself.

[The EFF] are contradicting those very same policies and principles they stand by when a mother and MP's explanation and apology are given to them but also forced to be made on a public platform

"South Africa is a deeply violent society that continues to wrestle with the impact of decades of institutionalised racism, sexism, exclusion, structural violence and other factors that have continued to undermine human development and positive social cohesion."

The manifesto continues to say that the red berets "believe in the complete emancipation of women and will strive to realise women's liberation through a variety of interventions, with the starting point being to prioritise women in economic emancipation benefits.

"Women's recognition and empowerment in the workplace is of utmost importance, thus the EFF government will enact legislation that will ensure fair and just labour laws for women in workplaces."

Putting a stamp on it all, the party goes on to say: "The EFF government will develop proactive policies that will promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls ... It will develop prevention strategies which will address the root causes of violence against women ... The EFF government will create more employment opportunities for women, as they remain underrepresented in the labour market across all age groups."

So after branding themselves as this, they seem to be contradicting those very same policies and principles they stand by when a mother and MP's explanation and apology are given to them but also forced to be made on a public platform.

Chirwa herself presents herself as a woman of a strong character, who isn't afraid to question tough matters and call out what she sees as injustices, as we have seen her do — first during her student activist days and also upon assuming her seat as an MP. But her reaction to Malema, the male head of the party, brings across a completely different side to her.

It's time for the EFF to reflect on its policies and give greater voice to its women leaders. Holding leaders accountable is important, but it should be done with empathy and fairness, especially when considering family responsibilities.