In a controversial statement, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has warned that South Africa could see a white president if the African National Congress (ANC) continues on its current path. Speaking at a press briefing, Malema said the EFF would support a motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA), suggesting that DA leader John Steenhuisen could potentially assume the presidency.
“This country will have a white president, this country will have John Steenhuisen as president if the ANC is going to behave the way it’s behaving. The motion of no confidence will come, and we will vote with the DA,” Malema said.
“This country will have a white president, this country will have John Steenhuisen as a president if the ANC is going to behave the way it’s behaving, because the motion of no confidence will come we will vote with the DA” EFF President Julius Malema
“We will vote together with… pic.twitter.com/iS4F3t6P2g
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) April 28, 2025
The comments mark a significant escalation in Malema’s ongoing criticism of Ramaphosa and the ANC, which he accused of failing to address widespread corruption, economic inequality, and poor governance. His remarks have intensified the already fraught political atmosphere in the country.
Malema’s statement drew sharp responses, with critics accusing him of stoking racial tensions to further his political goals. In response, Malema defended his position, arguing that the ANC’s mismanagement had left South Africans with no choice but to consider alternatives, even if it meant working with ideological opponents.
The DA has yet to respond publicly to Malema’s statement. While a political alliance between the EFF and DA would be highly unusual given their vastly different policies, Malema’s comments suggest the EFF may be willing to set aside ideological differences in pursuit of regime change.
Political analysts have cautioned that such developments could lead to an unpredictable shift in the country’s political direction. With South Africa facing persistent challenges including unemployment, power cuts, and public disillusionment with the government, the prospect of a new political alignment has added further uncertainty to the landscape ahead of the national elections.