By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE: It will cost R1.2 million to rub shoulders with Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader Julius Malema when the party hosts its 10th birthday celebration at an exclusive gala dinner at Emperors Palace in July, the Mail&Guardian reported on Tuesday.

This is the same price that business leaders paid to share a table with President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ANC’s national conference in December. According to the seating chart, which was recently advertised by the EFF, business people who want a seat at the main table — dubbed the platinum table — will enjoy a three course meal, welcome drinks with the party’s top officials and branding opportunities at the Johannesburg venue. The R1.2 million 10-seater table will also secure the buyer 10 tickets to the VIP marquee, where the party will hold its 10th year anniversary rally. Those wanting to hobnob with the EFF’s deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, secretary general Marshal Dlamini and national chair Veronica Mente will have to fork out R750 000 a seat. The silver seats —with EFF MPs playing host — will cost R500 000 a seat. The budget bronze table seats are selling for R250 000 per seat. In a video accompanying the invitation to business owners, Malema called on supporters to help finance the party.