Meet Christiaan Hendrik Nicolaas Carstens
Christiaan Hendrik Nicolaas Carstens, a 25‑year‑old member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from Jeffreys Bay, speaks openly about why he joined the party, the challenges he’s faced, and what he hopes to change in his community.
Early Life in Jeffreys Bay
- Grew up in a middle‑class family that valued history, politics, and culture.
- Attended local schools where he made friends from different racial backgrounds.
- Developed a love for learning about the past, which sparked his interest in how societies work.
Getting Into Politics
- While still at school, his fascination with history led him to follow political news.
- After high school he studied Political and Conflict Studies at Nelson Mandela University, earning a BA Honours degree.
- His first political steps were with the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Why He Joined the EFF
- He believed the ANC and SACP were not independent enough from elite interests.
- The EFF’s focus on ending white supremacy and white monopoly capital appealed to him.
- He felt the party’s socialist ideas could lift poor people—both black and white—out of poverty.
Facing Bullying and Threats
- Since joining the EFF about two years ago, he has been targeted mostly by other white people who could not accept a young white supporter of Julius Malema.
- The harassment ranged from insulting comments online to death threats against him and his family.
- He has been threatened with a gun and physically assaulted twice by the same individual.
Work with the EFF
- Involved in political education and recruitment for the EFF in the Kouga and Kou‑Kamma areas of the Eastern Cape.
- After the 2024 elections he helped set up “information tables” in busy public spots to talk to people about EFF policies, hand out emergency contact cards, and recruit new members.
- In 2025 he was co‑opted onto the EFF’s Eastern Cape Provincial Command Team and elected to the Kouga/Koukamma Sub‑region Command Team.
- He is an active member of Ward 2, which covers Pellsrus, Madiba Bay, and Aston Bay in Jeffreys Bay.
Clearing Up Misunderstandings
- Many think the EFF hates white people because of chants like “Kill the Boer.”
- Carstens explains the chant is a metaphorical struggle song rooted in the history of colonialism and capitalism, not a call for violence.
- A 2022 Equality Court ruling agreed, stating the chant does not count as hate speech when viewed in its historical context.
- He stresses that the EFF opposes white supremacy and economic monopolies, not white individuals.
What He Wants for Kouga
- Tackle mass poverty and unemployment, which he sees as the biggest issues in the area.
- Address drug abuse that often stems from hopelessness and depression.
- Push for industrialisation, genuine job creation, and stronger state‑led development instead of relying on private tenders.
- He hopes to stand up for the masses of Kouga and especially for the people of Ward 2.
Advice for Young South Africans
- Speak up about the changes you want, no matter which party you support.
- Focus on shared goals like socio‑economic development and uplifting all nations in the country.
- Stay informed, think critically, and remember that politics is a tool for improving everyday life.
Conclusion
Christiaan Hendrik Nicolaas Carstens’ story shows that political commitment can come from any background, and that standing up for one’s beliefs often brings both support and opposition. By challenging myths about the EFF and working locally for jobs, education, and safety, he hopes to help build a fairer future for Jeffreys Bay and the wider Eastern Cape. His message to fellow youth is simple: get involved, stay informed, and work together for a better South Africa.
