Watch| Ramaphosa Hits Back At Malema In Opening Of Parliament Debate “You Insulted My Father”

On Monday at the opening of Parliament debate, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema.

Ramaphosa’s remarks were a response to Malema’s critical comments and apparent misunderstanding of historical contexts, particularly concerning apartheid-era politics and the history of South Africa’s mining workers’ unions.

President Ramaphosa urged Julius Malema to educate himself further on the history of the mining workers’ unions.

He suggested that Malema seemed confused about apartheid-era politics, and offered to have a more productive discussion on the subject. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of understanding this history to provide informed and directional speeches in Parliament.

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“You and I need to sit down and talk about politics, especially about apartheid-era politics, which I think confuses you … You seem to be in the dark. I will be doing this so that whenever you stand up and address us, it will be about something that will give us a direction.

During his address, Ramaphosa also reprimanded Malema for his disrespectful comments, particularly those aimed at Ramaphosa’s father.

He highlighted the importance of respecting elders, referencing his own respect for Malema’s grandmother. Ramaphosa’s call for respect was not just personal but extended to the broader political discourse, urging Malema to engage constructively for the nation’s development.

“You stood here some two years ago and insulted my father and I, saying he was a police officer … Yes, I am proud to be the son of a policeman, a very good policeman.

“I spoke to your grandmother and I’d never stand here and insult your grandmother like that because I respected her like I do to you,” Ramaphosa said.

Despite facing criticism from opposition parties, Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to the Government of National Unity (GNU).

He emphasized the need for all parties to put aside their differences and work together for the common good of South Africa. Ramaphosa’s vision is one of rebuilding the nation and getting South Africa working again, a message he firmly delivered during his opening of Parliament speech.