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Malema promises urgent aid for Mthatha flood victims
Malema promises urgent aid for Mthatha flood victims

The Citizen

time28-06-2025

  • Politics
  • The Citizen

Malema promises urgent aid for Mthatha flood victims

Malema highlighted the urgent need for proper accommodation for displaced residents, particularly families with children who have been denied access to temporary shelters. Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has pledged to find urgent solutions for flood victims in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, following devastating floods that have claimed lives and destroyed infrastructure. During a visit to the region on Saturday, Malema was welcomed by King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo at Nkululekweni Palace ahead of a briefing on the flood's impact. The EFF leader issued a direct appeal to wealthy South Africans, particularly Black business leaders, to unite in support of the flood-stricken communities, criticising what he sees as inadequate government response and unequal disaster relief efforts. Malema criticises government response to Mthatha floods Malema expressed frustration with the delayed government response to the disaster, emphasising the need for immediate action rather than bureaucratic procedures. 'After more than 100 people died, the army only comes after the fence. So we want a responsive government and the EFF is such a responsive government,' he said. 'If there's a disaster, disaster means there's an emergency. You can't [just] be calling meetings, we must meet on the ground and help people.' He criticised officials for holding meetings while people were suffering, stating: 'We are going to make sure you are all attended to. Yesterday the initial chair was telling me we had one family with a bereavement. There is four families now who want to bury their loved ones.' ALSO READ: WATCH: Another tragic twist in Eastern Cape flood tragedy EFF commits to burial support The party leader announced that the EFF would provide direct assistance to families who have lost loved ones in the floods. 'We are going to help them as the EFF to bury those loved ones in a dignified manner,' Malema declared. He also addressed issues surrounding burial rights, asserting that no one should be denied proper burial arrangements. 'The EFF has to answer to that issue. No one should be refused a burial right. If it's traditional leadership, we can take it up with them, then we will take it up with those people. If it's the police or the municipality, we will take it up with the police and the municipality to make sure that whoever needs to be buried must be buried.' ♦️In Pictures♦️ The EFF President and Commander in Chief, @Julius_S_Malema, offering his heartfelt condolences to the Mkatshane family at the funeral service of 14-year-old Siyavuya Mkatshane, who tragically lost his life after being swept away by floods on his way to school.… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 28, 2025 ALSO READ: First the floods and now snow, more rain for Eastern Cape residents Accommodation crisis for displaced Mthatha floods victims Malema highlighted the urgent need for proper accommodation for displaced residents, particularly families with children who have been denied access to temporary shelters. He mentioned that some victims had been 'chased out of a church or whatever' and emphasised the need to find alternative accommodation immediately. 'We cannot have children sleeping under trees because someone is denying people access,' he said. 'Let's find them a wall, let's find them a church, let's find them a school. Let's go back to the same church and plead with the church and please accommodate these people while we are still looking for urgent solution.' ALSO READ: Eastern Cape residents say they've been ignored by government after floods Malema calls for corporate and private sector support The EFF leader made a pointed appeal to wealthy individuals and corporations to contribute to relief efforts, drawing comparisons to disaster response in more affluent areas. He questioned why similar support wasn't materialising for Mthatha victims. 'When I leave here, I'm going to call on other people,' Malema announced. He specifically called out the absence of major foundations and wealthy individuals, asking: 'But where is Motsepe Foundation when parents are saying, 'we are asking for clothes for children'?' Malema drew attention to disparities in disaster response, referencing relief efforts in Cape Town's affluent areas. 'There was a disaster in Cape Town in one of the most expensive places. We saw the big companies going there, sending food, sending clothes, sending all types of things in the Western Cape. Why is that not happening [here]?' ALSO READ: WATCH: Bad weather and floods wreak havoc in Cape Town Appeal to black economic leaders Making a direct appeal to Black business leaders and wealthy individuals, Malema emphasised the responsibility of successful Black South Africans to support their communities during times of crisis. 'We call on the rich people, especially Black people, to come in and help our people with everything necessary,' he said. He stressed that victims needed comprehensive support beyond basic provisions. 'The disaster washed away the clothes, the furniture and the belongings of our people. Let's help them to rebuild their life,' Malema explained. He further noted that women particularly needed sanitary pads and clothing, not just blankets. Support for community leadership Malema praised the women leading the relief centers and encouraged them to continue speaking truth about their communities' needs. 'What made me happy is that the leaders of these centres are women. You are very strong and it is through that spirit that you will have gained a lot of support.' He urged community leaders not to compromise their honesty for the sake of receiving aid. 'Don't be scared to talk because you must not receive food for lying. You have to tell the truth. If they say sponsors won't come because you are telling the truth, then it means the sponsors like lies. We don't want people who want lies.' Furthermore, the EFF leader encouraged continued communication and transparency: 'So continue to speak, continue to express yourself, speak truth to power. Where there are issues, please speak to us.' NOW READ: Are Sassa payments in the Eastern Cape at risk due to floods and a looming cold front?

‘Kill the Boer' it ain't just Malema's thing [video]
‘Kill the Boer' it ain't just Malema's thing [video]

The South African

time06-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The South African

‘Kill the Boer' it ain't just Malema's thing [video]

Not just Malema: A group of black people – cited as African Americans – chanted to 'Kill The Boer'. Image: X/EFFSouthAfrica A clip of a group of black people singing Kill The Boer – presumably in the US – has gone viral on social media. Recently sung by Economic Freedom Fighter leader Julius Malema, the anti-Apartheid song has been accused of having 'racist' connotations. Last month, US President Donald Trump publicly condemned the 'call to action'. Pretoria-born billionaire businessman and UK media personality Piers Morgan have also criticised the song. On social media, a clip of black people singing along to Kill The Boer has gone viral. Read the full version of the ''Kill The Boer' sung by 'African Americans'? ' article. 'KILL THE BOER' SUNG ABROAD In the video, the crowd, many of whom wear traditional African garments, are seen dancing and singing the tune to the anti-struggle song. Although some claim that the people in the video were African Americans, it's unconfirmed if the video was taken in the US. WATCH MORE VIDEOS FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!

WATCH: Malema not ‘intimidated' by Trump's call for his arrest
WATCH: Malema not ‘intimidated' by Trump's call for his arrest

The Citizen

time25-05-2025

  • Politics
  • The Citizen

WATCH: Malema not ‘intimidated' by Trump's call for his arrest

Malema said he would never stop singing a song that Winnie Mandela sang and it would be a betrayal to the struggle of 'our people'. EFF leader Julius Malema addressing community members of Ward 16 in Koppies ahead of their bi-elections which will take place on the 28th of May 2025. Picture: X/@EFFSouthAfrica EFF leader Julius Malema said he doesn't fear for his life after US president Donald Trump called his arrest. Malema was addressing EFF supporters during a rally Ward 16, Koppies in the Free State on Africa Day on Sunday. The EFF leader engaged with community members ahead of by elections in the area which is expected commence on the 28th of May. 'Kill Malema' Malema said he would never be intimidated by Trump. 'Well, I'm not fearful. As a revolutionary, part of being killed is one of those honours you must wear with pride, but I'm not going to be reckless. When he says to Ramaphosa, why is this man not in jail, why are you not arresting this man? He simply means, why are you not killing this man, because this man wants to kill white people. That's what he believes. 'Imperialism, especially the USA, it makes such remarks meaning something different,' Malema said. WATCH Malema speaking about Donald Trump calling for his arrest ♦️Must Watch♦️ The EFF President and Commander in Chief @Julius_S_Malema engaging with member of the media at Ward 16, Koppies in Free State. The President strongly criticised President Ramaphosa and his delegation for their failure to defend the Constitution—particularly the… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 25, 2025 ALSO READ: 'There is doubt in Trump's head about genocide in SA,' Ramaphosa says [VIDEO] Malema said he would never be intimidated by America. 'I will never be intimidated by Donald Trump, Malema said. That nonsense that Trump did in America, he will never do that nonsense in my presence because I will confront him here and there, with the facts'! Ramaphosa ambush During the bilateral talks between Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, which played out before the media, the US president showed videos of Malema chanting 'Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer' to support his false belief in genocide against whites in the country, asking why the red berets leader has not been arrested. Trump, proved to be a political rottweiler for Afrikaners and white farmers shifting the focus from what began as a cordial discussion with Ramaphosa but veered sharply off course to farm attacks in South Africa. ALSO READ: WATCH: Donald Trump ambushes Cyril Ramaphosa in Oval Office 'Kill the Boer' Malema said Ramaphosa could not present the facts in front Trump. 'I will never stop singing a song that Winnie Mandela sang. That would be a betrayal to the struggle of our people'. Malema criticised Ramaphosa and his delegation for their failure to defend The constitution of South Africa, particularly the right to freedom of speech in the context of the 'Kill the Boer'. On Saturday, after delivering the eulogy at the funeral of ANC Women's League deputy president Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, Ramaphosa said the issues raised by Trump at the Oval Office in Washington would be addressed in due course. ALSO READ: Malatsi summoned to Parliament to explain Starlink policy directive 'EFF will never unite with Zuma' Earlier, Malema vowed the red berets with never unite with former president Jacob Zuma's MK party also elaborating that he doesn't fear for his life after US president Donald Trump called his arrest. Malema said the EFF will 'never unite with Zuma who wants to kill the EFF'. 'We'll never unite with MK that exist to destroy the EFF. We are not friends with the enemies of the EFF whether Trump says the same thing about the two of us, we don't care. We must never be tempted to unite with the agents who want to destroy the EFF'. 'If Zuma wants the unity of black people, why did he form MK when there was EFF, because you are already dividing people. You must join the existing organisation that pursues the same agenda which is the EFF. There is no unity they are talking about, they are pretentious about it. Zuma is about himself and about his family, that's why he went to form that spaza shop', Malema said. 'Double agents' In November last year, Malema claimed the red berets had been infiltrated by double agents, with former founding members being turned and captured ahead of the national elective conference in December. The EFF leader's embattled party has been hit with a leadership exodus, with big names, including Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Dali Mpofu, crossing over to former president Zuma's MK party.

Is this EFF statement on late queen why Julius Malema was denied UK visa?
Is this EFF statement on late queen why Julius Malema was denied UK visa?

The South African

time08-05-2025

  • Politics
  • The South African

Is this EFF statement on late queen why Julius Malema was denied UK visa?

EFF leader, Julius Malema and the late Queen Elizabeth. Images: X/@EFFSouthAfrica and @Africa_Archives. Home » Is this EFF statement on late queen why Julius Malema was denied UK visa? EFF leader, Julius Malema and the late Queen Elizabeth. Images: X/@EFFSouthAfrica and @Africa_Archives. The decision to deny Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema a visa to the United Kingdom (UK) has left many puzzled about the actual reason behind. Malema was set to address students at Cambridge University's 'Africa Together Conference' on 10 May. However, he was informed just hours before he was supposed to depart for the UK that his visa could not be processed in time. In a letter addressed to the EFF's deputy president Godrich Gardee, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, said his colleagues at the UK Home Office have said that they will regrettably be unable to process the application in time, owing to the necessary steps required to consider visa applications and the unfortunate timing of some recent UK Bank Holidays. 'I recognise this will be deeply disappointing, especially as the delegation applied in advance and some paid for priority service. I would like to assure you that I have taken a personal interest in this issue and have been in regular communication with relevant Home Office officials about this case, including over the last week and this morning. I am afraid, though, that I have no means of intervening in the decision-making process itself, which is solely a matter for the Home Office,' Phillipson said. Reacting to the news, the EFF said the banning of Malema is a reflection of the continued control of the political process in the United Kingdom by the British monarchy, who clearly remain aggrieved by the EFF's posture following the death of their 'Queen' Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. 'As the EFF we want to reaffirm our statement on the death of Elizabeth Mary Windsor and remind the bureaucracy in the UK that their monarchy still owes the world a huge debt for the crimes they committed against humanity through colonialism. 'One of the first visits the President of the EFF was going to make was to the grave of Elizabeth Windsor, to confirm that the woman who was at the centre of the pain inflicted on Africa and her people, was indeed departed from this world and that our people can find justice and peace through her departure,' EFF spokesperson Thembi Msane said. Could the party's statement on Queen Elizabeth's death be the reason why Malema was denied a visa to the UK? Elizabeth passed away in September 2022, and the Red Berets said they would not mourn her death because it served as a reminder of a very tragic period in the history of South Africa and the African continent at large. The Red Berets said South Africa's interaction with with Britain under the leadership of the British royal family has been one of pain, suffering, death, depression and dehumanisation of African people. 'Elizabeth Windsor, during her lifetime never acknowledged the crimes that Britain and her family in particular perpetrated across the world. In fact she was a proud flag bearer of the atrocities because during her reign, when the people of Yemen rose to protest against British colonialism, Elizabeth ordered a brutal suppression of that uprising,' the party said. The EFF further said during her 70-year-reign the late monarch not even once acknowledged the atrocities that her family inflicted on native people that Britain invaded across the world. 'She willingly benefitted from the wealth that was attained from the exploitation and murder of millions of people across the world. The British Royal Family stands on the shoulders of millions of slaves who were shipped away from the continent to serve the interests of racist white capital accumulation, at the centre of which lies the British royal family.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news. Follow us on Facebook for the latest breaking news, polls - and more!

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