Is the economic freedom fighters’ brand of populism transforming political discourse in South Africa?

The arrival of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), self-identified as a radical party of the far left, has shaken up South Africa’s political system and sought to undermine the accepted political norms. Some have speculated that the country’s largest parties would alter their political discourse to ward off the challenge. New research illustrates that the two established political parties have resisted the temptation to engage in similar rhetorical strategies. However, there is some evidence that these parties have reformed their programmatic offerings and behaviour to thwart the EFF’s appeal.