Addressing a passionate crowd at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), delivered a strong criticism of the African National Congress (ANC), warning young people against aligning with the ruling party.
“Don’t join the ANC, it’s like committing political suicide,” Malema told his followers, eliciting gasps and cheers from the gathered EFF members. He went on to explain, “All young individuals associated with the ANC are experiencing a constant state of depression.”
Malema’s statements come in the midst of growing tensions between the EFF and ANC, with the former positioning itself as the forefront of youthful and radical political change in South Africa. The EFF leader’s words reveal deep frustrations with what he sees as the ANC’s inability to tackle the economic and social issues affecting the country’s youth.
“Take a good look around you,” Malema urged, pointing towards the enthusiastic crowd. “The ANC has been promising change for years, but where is it? Our youth are without jobs, without hope, and now they want to blame us for their own failures.”
The ANC, South Africa’s ruling party since the end of apartheid, has been facing mounting criticism over its management of economic inequalities, unemployment, and corruption scandals. The EFF, established in 2013, has been vocal in its opposition, pushing for more radical economic reforms and land redistribution.
Experts suggest that Malema’s remarks are a strategic move to mobilize the youth vote ahead of the 2024 general elections. Political analyst Sipho Dlamini remarked, “Malema is tapping into the disillusionment felt by many young South Africans. His fiery rhetoric strikes a chord with those who feel let down by the ANC’s unmet pledges.”
The ANC has not yet responded to Malema’s recent criticism. However, as the election season approaches, the political climate is expected to heat up as both parties compete for the support of South Africa’s youth, a crucial demographic in the upcoming polls.
As the rally came to an end, Malema left his supporters with a powerful message.
[WATCH] “Never fool yourself… Cyril Ramaphosa is not among us, he’s a sell out. He belongs to the Oppenheimer and the Rupert family. He does not belong to us.” – EFF leader Julius Malema addressing the #EFFTshelaThupaRally. pic.twitter.com/xjnAAm1rC2
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 25, 2024
