A Decolonial Reading of EFF as (Mis)Guided Black Rage

Examining two sets of protests by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) between 2018 and 2021 that reflect on the persistent problem of racism in post-apartheid South Africa, this article teases out the operations of Black rage within the EFF and on the Black body more broadly. It applies affect as theory and method to understand the party’s rage on the manifestation of racism as simultaneously an expression of what I call ‘misguided black rage’ and as an expression of self-love. I argue that since its formation in 2013, the EFF, amongst others, has been looking at racism and white-owned South Africa media as the objects of its rage. It must be said, however, that the EFF’s rage has been about more than racism and white media ownership as exemplified by the party’s powerful rage directedagainst former President Jacob Zuma through its campaign “Bring Back the Money”. Consequently, this article theorises the EFF through Black rage, the lens of affect. In her song, Black Rage, Lauren Hill says Black Rage can manifest itself in many forms. Listening to her song is a poignant reminder of the politics of Black rage. This article shows that Black rage in the EFF can be retrogressive and advances violence towards journalists and sexism and misogyny specifically towards women journalists. On the other hand, rage in the party can be perceived as progressive in challenging discriminatory practices such as ways in which black women hair is depicted.