Latest news with #JuliusMalema
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Malema takes aim at DA's WC governance during anniversary celebrations
Economic Freedom Fighters founder and president Julius Malema gives his speech at the party's 12th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. Thousands of supporters filled the dome, which holds 10,000 people, demonstrating the massive turnout for the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the DA, the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of protecting white privilege and sustaining inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives. Cape Times
News24
a day ago
- Politics
- News24
Siyahleba: Slow death of the EFF Speak or keep forever silent
Slow death The EFF this weekend celebrated its 12th anniversary in Khayelitsha in Cape Town. But if they were honest with themselves, they would really be commemorating their slow death. The party's support dropped in the national elections last year and has since been on a precipitous decline. By-election after by-election has seen their support drop alarmingly. READ: Siyahleba: African beggars | Who appointed you? God? | Did they just say unity? | HOT & NOT On Wednesday, the party obtained a woeful 1% in a ward by-election in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, which was won by the ANC with 43% of the vote. In Emfuleni, Gauteng, the party obtained a mere 8% support in a ward won by the ANC with 38%. Party leader Julius Malema should be honest with his supporters on their way to their cemetery. Confusion much? Jacob Zuma's MK Party has spent weeks and months articulating its opposition to this year's budget. But when it came to the crunch, when it had an opportunity, it chose to vote in support of the budget in the National Assembly. This positive vote was such a surprise to the chairperson of the session, Cedric Frolick, that he actually gave the party a second chance to state its vote, and it repeated its support for the budget. It was only much later that its chief whip, Colleen Makhubele, said: We have changed our minds. Makhubele later pleaded for understanding, saying she made a mistake because she was a new chief whip. But what was shocking was that each time she announced the wrong vote, she was supported by the entire MK Party caucus, meaning the entire caucus got it wrong. What is going on in that party? We know they are not going to last, but there is no need to rush the process. The voters will pronounce. Speak or keep forever silent It was shade o'clock at the EFF presser when commander-in-chief Julius Malema turned to deputy president Godrich Gardee and said: Say something because you are going to leave here and form a party and say you were never given a chance to speak... The two burst out laughing, loud and unbothered. But the message? Sharp and unmistakable. Shots were flying straight at former deputy president Floyd 'silent but plotting' Shivambu. Malema kept the heat coming: 'We didn't know he wanted to speak. Were we supposed to smell it?' Yho! Not Julius dragging Floyd like expired cologne. Next time, comrades, don't whisper ambitions, spray them. Maybe we'll catch the scent. HOT South African sprint phenomenon Bayanda Walaza again led the medal charge for the country on the international stage. This week, the 19-year-old clinched the 100m and 200m titles at the World University Games in Germany. Walaza's double contributed to the six gold medals that Team SA hauled at the multisport event, which ends today. In total, South Africa won 16 medals, including three silver and seven bronze – ranking the country seventh on the medal table at the time of publication. NOT How ridiculous Kenny Kunene sounded when he tried to explain why he was found at the house of the man suspected of being the mastermind behind the murder of musician DJ Sumbody. Kunene was found at Katiso 'TK' Molefe's house in Sandton this week as the SA Police Service Political Killings Task Team and the Gauteng Organised Crime Detectives pounced on the suspect, along with three others at various locations in Gauteng. When he realised what was happening, Kunene, in trying to distance himself from Molefe, said he was at the house to help a journalist friend of his to report on the arrest. But he failed to say which journalist he was referring to – mainly because there was none. It's a good thing that his friend and leader in the Patriotic Alliance Gayton McKenzie advised him to resign his position as councillor in the City of Johannesburg. But the smell of scandal lingers. The arrests follow in the wake of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's revelation that some top government officials are closely connected to criminal syndicates.
The South African
2 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Malema sings 'Kill The Boer' at EFF's 12th birthday celebration
Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader Julius Malema has done it again by performing the controversial struggle song, Kill The Boer , at the party's 12th birthday celebration. The outspoken politician has been widely criticised for choosing to sing the song, despite it being cleared as freedom of speech. In May, US President Donald Trump publicly condemned the song's 'call to action'. Pretoria-born billionaire businessman Elon Musk and UK media personality Piers Morgan have also criticised the 'racist' lyrics of the song. Over the weekend, the EFF celebrated its 12th birthday with an event in Cape Town. Unlike its grand 2023 anniversary celebration that took place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the party erected a makeshift stage at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium. The celebration was not complete without leader Julius Malema performing Kill The Boer. Malema has repeatedly claimed that he would continue to sing Kill The Boer at public gatherings. He said in a media conference in May: 'There are courts in South Africa, and the courts have said, there is nothing wrong with this song. This is not my song; I did not compose this song. I found this song. The struggle heroes composed this song. All I am doing is defending the legacy of a struggle; this is the heritage of our struggle. 'I will never stop singing a song that Winnie Mandela sang before she died. That would be a betrayal to the struggle of our people'. Kill The Boer – titled Dubul' ibhunu – made headlines when anti-Apartheid activist Peter Mokaba sang the song at a memorial for his assassinated comrade, Peter Mokaba, in 1993. It was also sung by former South African President Jacob Zuma during many ANC events. Over the years, Malema has also sung the controversial song at various EFF political rallies and even at a funeral. 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.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Economic Freedom Fighters: Celebrating twelve years of radical transformation in South Africa
Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of being a party that protects white privilege and sustains inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was described as deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said, framing the DA's governance as a continuation of apartheid-era divisions. He argued that the DA prioritises the comfort of the elite over the dignity and well-being of the poor majority. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. The EFF's rise from a small, radical movement into a force that commands respect across South Africa's political spectrum is no accident. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives. [email protected]
The South African
3 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
EFF marks 12th anniversary with massive turnout in Khayelitsha
Thousands of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters gathered at Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium on Saturday, 26 July, to mark the party's 12th anniversary. Long queues stretched along Pama Road from early morning as people waited to enter the venue. They scheduled the main programme to begin at midday, and crowds of youth, elders, and children were already filling the venue hours before. Organisers set up a family-friendly play area, complete with jumping castles, tables, chairs, and paramedics on standby. Speaking with IOL , Khayelitsha resident Bathandwa Dywili said she hoped EFF leader Julius Malema would address key social challenges affecting the community. 'We hope the EFF president will speak about youth unemployment and underage drinking, which are widespread issues causing concern among young people,' she said. 'It would also be encouraging if he addressed other social problems that contribute to crime.' Julius Malema launched the EFF on 26 July 2013 after the ANC expelled him, where he had led the party's Youth League. Following disciplinary action for bringing the ANC into disrepute. Malema formed the EFF as a radical left-wing alternative, focusing on economic transformation. Rooted in pan-Africanist and Marxist-Leninist ideologies, the EFF quickly attracted support from youth and working-class communities. It entered Parliament in 2014 with 25 seats and has since grown into South Africa's third-largest political party. Twelve years on, the EFF remains known for its red regalia, militant slogans, and confrontational presence in Parliament. Saturday's gathering highlighted the continued loyalty and energy that surrounds the movement. 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.
