Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), recently expressed his willingness to work with former President Jacob Zuma and the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party.
However, he made it clear that he would not consider partnering with the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and its leader, Gayton McKenzie.
Malema made these statements during a community address in Eldorado Park, where he labelled the PA as a “drug organisation” and accused McKenzie of being motivated by money rather than genuine political engagement.
In response to a community member’s question about an old video clip of McKenzie stating that Malema and Kenny Kunene were not fit to run the country, Malema dismissed McKenzie’s political ambitions.
He claimed that McKenzie was primarily interested in financial transactions and coalition negotiations focused on making money rather than genuine political change. Malema emphasized that the PA’s manifesto lacked substance, pointing out that their slogan, “abahambe” (meaning “let them go”), was insufficient as a political platform.
He argued that engaging with individuals who were not genuine politicians would not be productive.
Malema further criticised the PA’s stance on “Nigerian drug lords,” suggesting that their problem was not with the criminal activity itself but rather that these drug lords were taking away business opportunities from the PA.
He accused the PA of electing councillors associated with drug organizations and gangsters, claiming that the PA president’s focus was on taking over the drug trade rather than eradicating it. Malema stressed that the real issue was crime and not the ethnicity or nationality of the criminals involved.
MALEMA: PA IS A GANGSTERS ORGANISATION@Julius_S_Malema said in Eldorado Park yesterday leaders of @VotePA_SA are only fighting Nigerians over drugs business, to which @Kenny_T_Kunene responded by calling him all sorts of derogatory names. pic.twitter.com/Fef3wBDKKd
— Dudula News (@PatrioticMedia1) April 18, 2024
Despite his criticism of the Patriotic Alliance, Malema expressed his openness to partnering with the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party. He revealed plans to meet with Jacob Zuma after the elections to discuss potential collaboration between the two parties.
Malema emphasised that the EFF and the MK Party shared similar policies, including land reform, empowerment of the people, and economic restoration. He stated that unity of purpose was crucial and that finding common ground with Zuma’s party could be beneficial for both organizations.
Malema also clarified that he had already engaged in discussions with Zuma before the launch of the MK Party on December 16th. He expressed his willingness to meet with Zuma again to explore how the two parties could support each other’s objectives.
Malema highlighted the importance of aligning their efforts to bring about meaningful change and address the pressing issues facing South Africa.
