Former EFF MPL charts new political path
Despite leaving the EFF, Unity Mzanse founder Harricks said she remained grateful for her time in the party
Former EFF KwaZulu-Natal Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) Pearl Harricks is preparing to launch her own political party, Unity Mzanse.
Harricks, who hails from Pietermaritzburg’s Willowfontein township and previously served as the EFF’s KZN provincial deputy secretary, said the party would be launched on August 10.
Speaking to The Witness, she said Unity Mzanse had already identified “suitable” individuals to lead its interim structures.
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“In the past few months we have been holding consultative meetings across the country. As we speak, I have just concluded a meeting with some of the comrades who will be leading local structures in Pietermaritzburg.
“Even though we are yet to officially launch, I must say the response we have been getting from the general public is extremely positive — people are looking forward to hearing what Unity Mzanse has to offer,” she said.
Harricks, who was previously the EFF’s Msunduzi ward 14 councillor candidate in Willowfontein, was deployed to the KZN Legislature after the 2018 general elections. In 2024, she resigned as an EFF MPL a few weeks before the end of her five-year term.
In 2023, Harricks’ name appeared on an EFF list of public representatives who had failed to comply with a directive to procure buses to transport supporters to the party’s 10th anniversary rally in Johannesburg. Several people on the list were subsequently removed as MPs, MPLs and councillors.
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Harricks denied that the controversy led to her resignation.
“Yes, it’s true that my name was on the list, but what happened is that I produced proof that I contributed. It’s because of that reason that I was not recalled when some of those people who were on the list were told to resign.
“Of course, like in any other organisations, things which one was uncomfortable with would happen within the EFF. But, all I can say is that I’m proud that despite whatever challenges I encountered, I was able to serve the people of this province and the EFF,” she said.
Despite leaving the EFF, Harricks said she remained grateful for her time in the party. Harricks said Unity Mzanse’s constitution and policies would be informed by the “views of the people on the ground”.
We will consult widely with various sectors, including civil society, traditional and religious leaders.
“We are building an inclusive organisation where all South Africans, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender and religious orientation, will feel at home.
“It is because of the need to consult broadly that we have resolved not to contest the November Local Government elections. We are not rushing for votes, elections will be contested at the right time.”