Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has issued a stern warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa, stating that his failure to sign the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act could lead to his ousting from office. Speaking in a fiery public address, Malema revealed that factions within the African National Congress (ANC) are prepared to take decisive action against Ramaphosa if he does not back the proposed legislation.
The BELA Act, which has sparked heated debate, aims to make sweeping changes to South Africa’s education system, including new regulations around language and school management. Malema, who has been an outspoken critic of Ramaphosa’s leadership, claimed that growing frustration among ANC members is pushing them to consider removing the president if he “errs” by failing to support the Act.
Malema suggested that some ANC leaders have been eagerly anticipating Ramaphosa’s downfall, and they are now positioning themselves to capitalize on his failure to act on the BELA Act. He implied that this moment could be the pretext needed to unseat the president and bring about a leadership change within the ANC.
Furthermore, Malema criticized ongoing efforts by the ANC to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), particularly its potential collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA). He voiced strong opposition to any partnership involving DA figures like Helen Zille, asserting that many ANC supporters are vehemently against such an alliance. Despite this, he pointed out that influential ANC figures, including Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, continue to push for such a coalition.
JULIUS MALEMA
Cyril Ramaphosa is going to be removed, if he doesn't sign the BELA ACT.
ANC structures are just waiting for him to blunder that.
ANC supporters don't want this type of GNU of Helen Zille, but some [Mbalula and them] keep imposing it on them
The next leader of… pic.twitter.com/w2VeqeSRCN
— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) December 16, 2024
“This GNU nonsense with Zille and the DA is being forced upon ANC supporters by certain leaders like Mbalula,” Malema said, emphasizing that it is not the will of the people. He predicted that the next ANC leader would emerge with a mandate to dismantle the GNU and redirect the party’s focus.
In a bold projection, Malema also declared that the EFF is preparing to play a pivotal role in the next government. He suggested that after the ANC undergoes a leadership overhaul and distances itself from the DA, the EFF would be instrumental in shaping the new political landscape. “We are ready for this moment. There will be a place for the EFF within the government, not the racist thugs from the DA,” Malema stated, highlighting the growing rift between the ANC and the DA.
In addition to his criticism of Ramaphosa and ANC leadership, Malema also dismissed the relevance of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), declaring that the EFF is unconcerned with its activities. He stated that the MKP’s violations of the law are not of interest to the EFF, signaling the party’s willingness to disregard certain factions within the broader political sphere.
As South Africa’s 2024 general elections draw nearer, Malema’s remarks underscore the intensifying political battle within the ANC and across the nation. With tensions rising, it remains to be seen how these internal power struggles will influence the upcoming elections and the future direction of South African politics.