Julius Malema
By Thabo Mosia
Julius Malema, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has declared a renewed and intensified campaign against corruption in Mpumalanga, positioning the province as a critical battleground in the lead-up to the 2026 municipal elections. Speaking at the EFF’s 2nd Central Command Team (CCT) meeting, held at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa in Bela-Bela over the weekend of 4 May 2025, Malema outlined the party’s strategic focus on rooting out corruption and revitalising governance in the province. His address, published in The Radical Voice, also tackled broader national and global issues, including economic struggles, international imperialism, and the EFF’s plans to strengthen its presence across South Africa.
A Call to Action in Mpumalanga
Malema’s address highlighted the EFF’s determination to reclaim Mpumalanga, a province he accused of being under severe corruption and mismanagement. “We want our votes back where we lost them and fighting corruption and exposing it to the people of Mpumalanga is the first step to achieving that,” he said. The EFF leader expressed concern over the province’s leadership, noting that the people of Mpumalanga are “living under severe corruption and violence.” He urged party members to intensify their efforts in exposing corrupt practices, warning that failure to do so could invite further attacks on the EFF.
The focus on Mpumalanga comes as the EFF prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Malema stressed the need to rebuild the party’s structures in the province, which he believes have been weakened by a lack of engagement with communities. He called for a return to grassroots activism, encouraging EFF members to lead the charge in promoting education and safety while tackling systemic issues like poverty and crime.
Tackling National and Global Challenges
Beyond Mpumalanga, Malema addressed pressing national issues, particularly the ongoing budget crisis in South Africa. He accused the National Treasury of perpetuating economic inequality by prioritising the interests of the wealthy. “Under colonial and apartheid governments, nobody took the Treasury seriously. The apartheid regime had a political programme, and they pursued it aggressively,” he stated. Malema argued that the Treasury has failed to implement policies that benefit the majority, instead allowing “Afrikaner capital, working hand-in-hand with white monopoly capital,” to dominate the economy.
He called for a “People’s Budget” that prioritises the needs of the poor and working class, focusing on job creation, rural development, and infrastructure improvements in historically excluded communities. Malema also demanded wealth taxation to force the rich to pay their fair share and address the “unproductive luxury landholdings” that benefit only a few. He warned that if the budget fails to deliver by 31 July 2025, the EFF would push for the dissolution of the government and demand fresh elections.
On the international front, Malema condemned “US imperialism since the dawn of the Presidency of Donald Trump on the 20th of January 2025.” He accused the Trump administration of manipulating global politics to entrench the exploitation of Africa, describing Trump as a “dangerous character” marked by “ignorance and a combination of illiteracy and recklessness.” Malema also expressed solidarity with Palestine, criticising the Israeli regime’s actions and calling for justice for the Palestinian people.
Strengthening EFF Structures Nationwide
Malema’s address also served as a rallying cry for EFF members across South Africa to rebuild and strengthen the party’s structures ahead of the 2026 elections. He highlighted the need to improve organisational work in provinces like Gauteng, where the EFF has seen significant support, particularly following the 2024 elections. “Gauteng is the feeder province of the EFF in terms of votes, and we have a lot of ground to make up in Gauteng following the results we achieved in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” he noted.
In the Western Cape, Malema pointed to areas like Saldana Bay, where the EFF has lost support in recent by-elections, urging members to pay closer attention to community needs. He also praised the party’s efforts in the Free State, which he described as a “shining example” of what it means to take the organisation back to the ground. However, he expressed concern over the North West, noting a lack of urgency in addressing key issues, and called for renewed efforts in Limpopo, where the EFF recently handled the funeral of Fighter Mphahlele, a member of the legislature.
Empowering the Youth and Ensuring Accountability
A significant portion of Malema’s speech focused on the role of the EFF Youth Command, which he described as the “foundation and future of the EFF.” He urged young members to organise in communities and on university and TVET college campuses, warning against the trap of factionalism. “Young people are on the streets, our duty is to organise them under the banner of Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime,” he said. Malema also announced plans to launch the EFF Youth Command in all provinces to ensure the youth of South Africa influence the party’s direction.
To ensure accountability, Malema called on EFF members in Parliament to approach the budget with “seriousness, discipline, and political clarity.” He stressed the importance of transparency in the budget process, rejecting secret meetings with rating agencies and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “We will not be blackmailed by the fear of crisis if we don’t pass the budget,” he declared, emphasising the need for justice, jobs, and access to education and healthcare for all South Africans.
A Vision for Economic Freedom
Malema reiterated the EFF’s commitment to its founding principles of economic freedom and land redistribution. He called for the party to lead a global Marxist-Leninist movement, aligning with countries like China to counter Western imperialism. “Our people’s strong relations with China are rooted in this appreciation of where we are globally in politics, and the EFF is a factor,” he said. He also demanded justice for Muammar Gaddafi, urging the world to acknowledge Gaddafi’s legacy in the fight against imperialism.
The EFF leader concluded his address with a call for unity and loyalty within the party. “Let us be loyal and loyalty comes with honesty. Without honesty, the EFF will die a natural death and the liberation of our people will be delayed for decades to come,” he warned. Malema’s vision for the EFF is clear: to fight corruption, empower the youth, and lead a revolution that prioritises the poor and working class.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the EFF prepares for the 2026 municipal elections, Malema’s address has set the tone for a party determined to challenge the status quo. With a renewed focus on Mpumalanga and a commitment to addressing national and global issues, the EFF aims to position itself as the voice of the marginalised. The coming months will be crucial for the party as it seeks to rebuild its structures, engage communities, and deliver on its promise of economic freedom for all South Africans.
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