“I Will Not Be Silenced”
By Thabo Mosia
East London –
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has vowed that he will not be deterred from speaking up for the poor and marginalised, even as he waits for sentencing in his firearm conviction case.
Drawing inspiration from a defiant tune often linked to former US President Donald Trump, Malema belted out the words “I will not be silenced” during a rally outside the court, turning a moment of legal pressure into a show of strength and resistance.
This bold display came just after his pre-sentencing hearing was postponed to 15 April 2026, giving him more time to prepare while keeping the spotlight on his fight against what he calls political persecution.
For Malema’s supporters, it was a rallying cry that echoed their leader’s unyielding spirit, but critics see it as another example of his dramatic style amid serious charges.
As the case drags on, it raises bigger questions about freedom of speech, gun laws, and politics in South Africa.
The Firearm Case Recap
The charges against Malema date back to July 2018, during a lively EFF anniversary event at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.
A video showed him on stage, appearing to fire shots into the air from what looked like a rifle, sparking cheers from the crowd.
Malema insisted it was just a toy gun shooting blanks for show, handed to him by his co-accused, security boss Adriaan Snyman.
After a drawn-out trial filled with delays, expert testimonies on ballistics, and heated arguments, Magistrate Twanette Olivier found both guilty in October 2025.
They faced counts under the Firearms Control Act, including unlawful possession of a gun and ammo, firing in a public place, and putting people at risk. The court ruled the firearm was real and the act reckless, even though no one got hurt.
Sentencing could bring up to 15 years in jail, but as a first-time offender, Malema might get a lighter penalty like a fine or community work.
A big worry is the rule that any sentence over 12 months without a fine option could bar him from Parliament for five years if upheld on appeal.
This would shake up the EFF and opposition politics, where Malema’s voice has been key on issues like land reform and fighting corruption.
Malema’s Defiant Rally and Song
Outside the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Malema turned to music to make his point.
He led hundreds of red-clad supporters in singing a tune made famous by Trump during his own legal battles – a chant of “I will not be silenced.”
The words, simple yet powerful, rang out as a message of defiance, with Malema linking his case to broader fights against those in power who try to quiet outspoken leaders.
“I will not be silenced,” Malema declared, echoing the song’s core line. He told the crowd that no court ruling or political plot would stop him from standing up for the forgotten people of South Africa.
This moment captured his style: mixing politics with performance to rally the base and grab headlines. Supporters cheered, seeing it as proof of his bravery, while some waved signs calling the trial a witch hunt.
The song choice drew parallels to Trump, who used similar phrases during his trials to claim he was being targeted unfairly.
Malema has often spoken about global figures facing similar pressures, using it to frame his struggles as part of a worldwide pushback against the elite.
This rally was not just about the case; it was a boost for EFF morale ahead of possible tough times.
Pre-Sentencing Hearing and Postponement
The court session itself focused on pre-sentencing reports to help the magistrate decide on punishment. A social worker hired by the defence testified that Malema, as a family man and community leader, was not suited for jail.
She suggested a suspended fine, a ban on owning guns, and donations to anti-violence groups, arguing it would let him keep serving the public.
The state might push back with calls for stricter measures to deter public figures from risky acts. With arguments not finished, the hearing wrapped early, leading to the delay until mid-April.
This gives both sides time to polish their cases, but it also keeps Malema in the news, allowing him to campaign and build support.
Malema left the court upbeat, telling followers the fight goes on. He plans to appeal any conviction or sentence, claiming bias in the system.
His team argues the gun was harmless and the charges overblown, part of a plot to sideline him from politics.
Broader Implications for Politics and Society
This case shines a light on gun control in South Africa, where strict laws aim to cut down on violence. Firing in public, even if no harm comes, is seen as setting a bad example, especially from leaders.
Malema’s supporters argue it was just party fun, but the conviction stresses that no one is above the rules.
Politically, a harsh sentence could reshape the EFF, forcing a leadership shift and weakening their push in Parliament.
Malema has been a thorn in the side of the ruling party, calling out graft and inequality. His style, often fiery and direct, has grown the EFF from a small group to a major force, influencing policies on land and jobs.
On a societal level, the saga touches on free speech and justice. Malema frames it as an attack on those who challenge the status quo, much like Trump’s claims.
This resonates with young voters tired of old ways, but it also divides opinions, with some seeing him as a troublemaker.
As April nears, Malema keeps busy with party work and public events. His song outside court was more than music – it was a promise to keep fighting, no matter the outcome.
For South Africans, this story is a reminder of the tight link between law and politics, where one man’s tune can echo across the nation.
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