Naledi Chirwa
By Lerato Mpembe
Johannesburg – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament and National Youth Command Coordinator, Naledi Chirwa, has delivered a scathing critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, accusing him of failing South Africans on key socio-economic issues, including land expropriation, unemployment, and justice.
Chirwa was addressing Parliament during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, where she challenged Ramaphosa’s commitment to economic justice and transformation. In her fiery speech, she lambasted the President for allowing Western imperialists and corporate elites to dictate government policies, claiming that his failure to implement radical land reform policies proves that he is being bullied.
Chirwa Accuses Ramaphosa of Ignoring the Plight of South Africans
Chirwa began her speech by rejecting Ramaphosa’s SONA address, stating that it failed to reflect the real conditions faced by ordinary South Africans.
“We stand here today to respond to your State of the Nation Address that didn’t address the state of our nation.”She accused the ANC-led government of failing women, unemployed youth, black students, and vulnerable communities, highlighting specific cases that she said represent the neglect of the majority.
“We respond to you on behalf of the women who have been waiting for parental justice in our maintenance courts for many years and received no justice because they didn’t have enough in their pockets to bribe their way to justice.”Chirwa also touched on the education crisis, where thousands of matriculants who passed with bachelor’s degrees are unable to enroll in universities due to lack of funding and space.
“We respond to you on behalf of thousands and thousands of young men and women who recently completed their matric but are faced with the tormenting reality that their lives, like those before them, will amount to nothingness because their bachelor’s degree passes did not guarantee them a table in university.”She also referenced a black girl named K, whom she claimed is a victim of bullying at Sutherland High School simply because she is black.
“She and many young black women are forced to learn that under your leadership they are second-class citizens.”EFF MP Says Ramaphosa is ‘Being Bullied’ on Land Expropriation
One of the most striking moments of Chirwa’s speech was her attack on Ramaphosa’s stance on land expropriation without compensation.
“As much as you say that you will not be bullied, and we agree with you that you must not be bullied, the reality is that, Mr. President, you are being bullied.”Chirwa blamed the ANC government for not amending Section 25 of the Constitution, which was intended to legally enable land expropriation without compensation.
“If you were not being bullied, you would have supported the amendment of Section 25 of our Constitution that was to see the justified expropriation of land without compensation.”Instead, she said, Ramaphosa’s government introduced a “watered-down” Expropriation Act, which uses the language of revolution but delivers no real justice.
She accused the state, Parliament, the executive, and the judiciary of failing their obligation to redress historical land injustices.
“The state, including Parliament, the executive, and the judiciary, carry the obligation to redress imbalances of the past through the enactment of laws that will achieve redress and equitably retribute all resources.”Chirwa Calls for State-Led Economic Transformation
Throughout her speech, Chirwa pushed for radical economic transformation, calling on the government to prioritise state intervention over private-sector reliance.
She said the South African government should pass laws that require all food procured for public facilities to be sourced from small farmers and local food producers.
“This in itself will create sustainable economic activity and inspire many unemployed young people in the country to go into food production because there will be income and financial benefits to boost other economic activities.”She also criticised the government’s use of tenders, saying public services should be directly provided by the state instead of being outsourced.
“We will always need cleaners, Mr President. Truck drivers, security guards, surveyors, healthcare workers, and engineers. There is no tangible reason to subject our nation to the mercy of the private sector through tenders for basic functions of the state.”Chirwa further called for the re-establishment of key state-owned companies in sectors such as mining, housing, construction, roads, and cement production.
“Initiate the establishment of a state-owned mining company, a housing construction company, a state roads company, and a state cementing company.”She blamed neoliberal economic policies for the decline of key South African industries, particularly the textile sector, arguing that government policies are making South Africa dependent on imports.
“What is the reason that we export raw materials when we were once a nation that boasted dominance in the textile industry? It is because you are bullied.”Criticism of Ramaphosa’s Political Leadership
Chirwa also took aim at Ramaphosa’s choice of allies, accusing him of aligning himself with those who seek to protect white monopoly capital.
“You chose to lead with people who want to maintain the status quo because you are bullied.”She criticised Ramaphosa’s relationship with the United States, claiming that certain officials in his government act like informants to Western powers.
“You chose to lead with those who write letters to America and tell on you like you’re a little child that requires supervision because you are bullied.”In her final remarks, she declared that the EFF would continue to fight for land redistribution and economic freedom, regardless of the obstacles placed in their way.
“We continue to rally behind the radical call for expropriation of land of South Africans without compensation for equal redistribution and use.”She also reaffirmed the EFF’s seven cardinal pillars, which include:
• Nationalisation of mines, banks, and other strategic sectors without compensation.
• Building state government capacity to end reliance on tenders.
• Free quality education, healthcare, housing, and sanitation.
• Massive industrial development to create millions of sustainable jobs.
• Closing the apartheid wage gap and promoting African career advancement.
• Economic integration of the African continent.
• An accountable, corruption-free government.
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