This is my second blog on the EFF in just days apart, and I promise, I don’t have a red beret hidden in my closet (or do I?). But let’s face it: when it comes to reality show level drama and plot twists, the EFF doesn’t disappoint.
Recently, the EFF held their elective conference, and surprise, surprise, Julius Malema secured his seat at the helm of the party once again. This, of course, amidst all the tea about senior members packing their red overalls and heading to the MK party. But, ladies and gentlemen, let’s park the chaos for a second, because something truly phenomenal happened, and I just had to blog about it.
Let me introduce you to Queen Esther Molepo from Mpumalanga—EFF fighter, trailblazer, and a woman who clearly lives by the motto, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”
Picture this: a hall filled with political heavyweights, the air thick with tension, and everyone wondering who’ll be nominated for which position. And then, out of nowhere, Queen Esther Molepo stands up, grabs the mic, and says, “Deputy President? That’s me. I nominate myself.”
No hesitation. No stuttering. Just pure, unfiltered confidence. I mean, if there was ever a “Main Character Energy” moment in South African politics, this was it. Esther didn’t wait for someone to recognize her worth or pitch her name—she took matters into her own hands, Beyoncé style.
Now, let’s be real for a second. It’s one thing to have dreams; it’s another to announce them to a room full of seasoned politicians, some of whom have been in the game since we were all still wearing school shoes. But that’s what makes Esther’s move so iconic.
Her self-nomination wasn’t just bold—it was a masterclass in audacity. She didn’t care about the whispers or the side-eyes. She believed in herself, and she made sure everyone in that room knew it.
If you’re sitting there thinking, “I could never,” then Esther is exactly the kind of role model you need. Because, honey, if she can nominate herself for Deputy President in one of the most competitive political spaces in the country, you can absolutely ask your boss for that raise—or send that risky WhatsApp text.
Let’s not kid ourselves: politics in South Africa is still very much a boys’ club. Women in leadership often have to shout twice as loud just to be heard. But here comes Esther Molepo, strolling into the game like, “Boys, scoot over; it’s my time.”
If there’s one thing the EFF does well, it’s delivering unintentional comedy gold while handling serious business. Can we take a moment to appreciate the absolute hilarity of how Esther’s self-nomination probably caught everyone off guard? I bet there were people in that room still mid-bite of their conference muffins when she dropped the mic moment.
You can almost hear Julius thinking, “Yoh, abantu bami are wilding today.” But you know what? Esther’s boldness was so in line with the EFF’s brand of shaking things up, even Julius had to be lowkey impressed.
Here’s the thing: Esther’s moment wasn’t just about politics—it was about life. She showed us that sometimes you have to hype yourself up. You don’t need anyone’s permission to dream big or take risks.
Life is full of elections—whether it’s at work, in relationships, or even just trying to figure out what’s for dinner. And the moral of the story? Be like Esther. Nominate yourself.
Let’s give Esther Molepo her flowers now because she deserves them. What she did wasn’t just brave—it was groundbreaking. She reminded every woman in that room (and every woman watching from home) that leadership isn’t about waiting for someone to pick you. Leadership is about standing up and saying, “I’m ready, whether you like it or not.”
If there’s one takeaway from Esther’s story, it’s this: Be bold. Be unapologetic. And if life doesn’t hand you a mic, bring your own. Queen Esther Molepo is living proof that courage is contagious, and when you believe in yourself, the possibilities are endless.
So, here’s to Esther Molepo—an icon in the making. May we all walk into every room with her energy. Because if there’s one thing she’s taught us, it’s that the world is ready for women who don’t wait for permission to shine.
