WATCH: EFF leader Julius Malema warns race-based politics will ‘backfire badly’
Malema says any attempt to win support through race, tribal identity or ethnicity is doomed to fail.
Political commentator Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, has warned during a pre-election debate that race-based politics is unsustainable and will backfire at the polls. Speaking at Wits University ahead of South Africa's 4 November local government elections, Malema argued that the nation's constitutional order is built on unity, not division, and that any attempt to win support through race, ethnicity or nationality is doomed to fail.
He stated, "Any mobilisation that is based on division is unsustainable." Malema emphasized that South Africa's democratic system is founded on uniting people and building a common national identity, describing his country as a "unitary state" dedicated to bringing its citizens together.
The EFF leader also condemned xenophobia and vigilantism, asserting that ordinary citizens should not determine who belongs in South Africa. "It is extremely wrong to encourage lawlessness and vigilantism and say a civilian must go around asking people whether they are South Africans or not," Malema warned.
He criticized politicians who appeal to race or ethnicity for electoral gains, saying such a strategy is a dangerous game that will ultimately rebound on the leaders who employ it. Malema urged political leaders to reject tribalism, xenophobia, and racial mobilisation, urging South Africans not to be divided for political gain.
In a heated exchange about governance, Malema defended the EFF's record in coalition governments, dismissing claims that the party had contributed to instability in municipalities. He pointed to the work of EFF Members of Municipal Councils in local government, highlighting their focus on service delivery, such as keeping clinics operational and enhancing public safety.
Malema accused some political parties of using governance concerns to mask prejudice, saying they were hiding racism behind claims of chaos. As campaigning intensifies ahead of the upcoming elections, Malema's remarks underscore the growing battle over race, immigration, coalition politics, and service delivery as parties vie for voter support.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
