Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters, condemned anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa and vehemently defended African unity at a political rally in Botswana. During his address to Botswana’s President Duma Boko at the Botswana National Front National Conference in Jwaneng on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Malema emphasised that xenophobia does not reflect the genuine nature of South Africans.
Throughout history, culture, familial ties, and common hardships, Africans are inseparable, according to Malema. When South Africans assault citizens of neighbouring African countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, or Nigeria, he claims, they are not defending their country.
His argument was that this kind of behaviour undermines the idea of a united continent and is indicative of self-hatred.Those fighting against illegal immigration were slammed by the EFF leader in his speech. He singled out Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma, Ngizwe Mchunu, and Phakelumthakathi, saying that they constitute a tiny faction that lacks the authority to represent the nation as a whole.
He said these groups were out to sow discord among Africans and instill a healthy dose of dread in the hearts of foreigners.It is unfair to describe South Africa as xenophobic due to the words and deeds of a small group of people, according to Malema. Reiterating his belief that Africa could one day achieve political and social unity, he urged citizens to see themselves in every Black African they encounter.
A new round of controversy ensued in South Africa as a result of his remarks. His detractors criticised his anti-immigration stance and his pan-Africanist rhetoric. His detractors, however, said that he was ignoring pressing issues like crime, unemployment, public service strain, and illegal immigration.
During his time in Botswana, Malema also made it clear where he stands on potential political alliances. He made it clear that he would not be collaborating with the Freedom Front Plus or the Democratic Alliance, stating that doing so would be a betrayal of the progressive political cause. Instead of working with groups he views as political rivals, he would prefer to live in poverty, he said.
This speech is a continuation of Malema’s previous statements in which he claimed that those who are against immigration are unfairly targeting Black African migrants while showing differential treatment to white immigrants. A heated national debate on immigration, national identity, patriotism, and African unity has once again centred on him as a result of his most recent remarks.
