Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says he is confident that the Conference of the Left will change the balance of forces in South Africa.
Malema shared the stage with nine other leaders of political parties attending the three-day gathering in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
They include the MK Party, Azapo, PAC, Afrika Mayibuye Movement, United African Transformation and the Socialist Party of Azania, among others.
Over 300 delegates are in attendance.
The meeting, sponsored by the South African Communist Party (SACP) is discussing ways to change the difficult living conditions of the poor and the working class.
Meanwhile, leaders of different political parties attending the conference have called for unity of purpose.
In his opening address, the Conference Steering Committee chairperson and SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila said although they come different from political parties, they respect and value each other’s contribution.
He says the conference marks the end of fragmentation of the left parties.
Meanwhile, SACP has criticised the African National Congress for declining to attend the conference, describing the decision as opportunistic.
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