A new political movement is hoping to shake up Mzansi’s political landscape with promises of economic justice, ethical leadership and opportunities for ordinary citizens.
The Economic Liberators Forum South Africa (ELF-SA), founded by Hulisani Mani, says it wants to tackle unemployment, corruption and poverty while ensuring that communities benefit directly from the country’s economy.
The organisation, which was formed in Chiawelo and officially registered in 2023, contested the 2024 National and Provincial Elections and recently secured second place in a by-election at Moses Kotane Local Municipality in North West.
Speaking about the movement’s vision, Mani said South Africans are tired of empty promises and want leaders who will put communities first.
South Africa does not need more empty promises. It needs leadership that puts communities first, protects public resources, creates opportunities and restores dignity to our people,
— said Mani.
For many South Africans, the Mani surname is already well known.
Hulisani is the son of the late Ronald Mani, who gained national attention after exposing alleged corruption linked to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal before his assassination in 2019.
Now, the younger Mani says he wants to continue the fight against corruption by building a movement focused on accountability, economic empowerment and community development.
ELF-SA’s roots stretch back to 2015 when it started as a platform supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Over the years, consultations with communities, professionals, youth groups and business leaders convinced the organisation that it needed to enter politics to push for meaningful economic transformation.
- Among its key priorities are fighting corruption, creating opportunities for young people,
- supporting entrepreneurs, improving education, strengthening TVET colleges,
- promoting skills development and ensuring responsible use of public resources.
The movement also wants to expand economic participation for historically disadvantaged communities and create an environment where all South Africans have a fair chance to succeed.
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Outside politics, Mani has built a reputation as a businessman, governance practitioner and community activist.
He is also the founder of the Hulisani Mani Masengane Foundation, which supports educational programmes, youth development initiatives and poverty alleviation projects across the country.
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As South Africa prepares for the 2026 local government elections, ELF-SA believes the country’s future lies in empowering citizens rather than political elites.
The struggle of our generation is not only political freedom. It is economic freedom, dignity, opportunity and accountability. That is the mission of ELF-SA
— said Mani.
“The struggle of our generation is not only political freedom. It is economic freedom, dignity, opportunity and accountability. That is the mission of ELF-SA,” said Mani.
The party is expected to officially launch its 2026 Local Government Election manifesto in the coming weeks as it seeks to expand its support base across the country.
