Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has launched a blistering critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of failing to deliver on promises made in previous State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs). Speaking at a media briefing, Malema lambasted Ramaphosa for what he described as a lack of accountability and an inability to implement meaningful solutions to South Africa’s persistent challenges.
Malema: “There Is No Plan”
Malema pulled no punches in his assessment of Ramaphosa’s leadership, arguing that the president’s addresses have been long on rhetoric but short on action. “Well, there is no plan. President Cyril Ramaphosa doesn’t account for what he said before this State of the Nation Address. In the previous SONA, it was Tintswalo, and the other one was Thuma Mina. There is no accountability, none whatsoever,” Malema declared.
The EFF leader’s remarks echo widespread public frustration over issues such as unemployment, load-shedding, crime, and poor service delivery—problems that continue to plague South Africans despite Ramaphosa’s repeated assurances.
Empty Promises? A Closer Look at Thuma Mina and Tintswalo
Ramaphosa’s Thuma Mina campaign, launched in 2018, was inspired by Hugh Masekela’s iconic song and aimed to rally South Africans to actively participate in nation-building. Similarly, the Tintswalo narrative sought to emphasize the government’s commitment to addressing social challenges with urgency and compassion.
However, Malema dismissed these initiatives as little more than empty slogans. “The promises remain on paper while people suffer on the ground,” he said, accusing Ramaphosa of failing to translate his words into tangible results.
Mounting Pressure on Ramaphosa Ahead of the Next SONA
Malema’s criticism comes as political analysts predict heightened scrutiny of Ramaphosa’s administration in the lead-up to the next SONA. With unemployment rates stubbornly high, rolling blackouts crippling the economy, and crime levels showing no signs of abating, many South Africans are demanding concrete action rather than optimistic rhetoric.
Opposition parties and civil society groups are calling for Ramaphosa to provide a clear and honest assessment of the country’s progress—or lack thereof—since his last address. The upcoming SONA is seen as a pivotal moment for the president to either restore public confidence or face intensified criticism from political opponents like Malema.
As South Africa awaits Ramaphosa’s address, the pressure is mounting for him to demonstrate that his leadership extends beyond catchy slogans and that meaningful change is on the horizon. For now, Malema’s scathing critique serves as a stark reminder of the growing impatience among citizens who are tired of waiting for the promises of previous SONAs to materialize.
