GAUTENG — Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), used the party’s final campaign rally at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto to condemn the killing of farmers, defend the party’s coalition governance record, and renew attacks on the presidency ahead of the upcoming elections.
Addressing a lively crowd at the final rally before voters head to the polls, Malema made a strong pitch for victory, positioning the EFF as a decisive force in South Africa’s political landscape. A central and notable theme of his keynote address was his stance on farm murders, which he declared unacceptable and damaging to the country’s international image. He explicitly called for the killing of white farmers to stop.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the EFF’s use of the liberation song “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer,” Malema defended the party, arguing that singing the song does not equate to encouraging violence. However, in a significant departure from his usual rally conclusions, Malema notably omitted the specific “kill the boer, kill the farmer” lyrics at the end of his speech. This shift suggests a strategic acknowledgment of the serious interpretations and public scrutiny the song continues to draw. He further argued that the South African Police Service (SAPS) bears the primary mandate to protect farmers and rural communities, and it is their failure to do so that ultimately brings liberation songs into question.
Beyond rural safety, Malema focused heavily on local governance, arguing that coalition governments are the definitive future of municipal leadership. He staunchly defended the EFF’s track record in coalitions and launched a counter-attack against the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding allegations of political instability. Furthermore, he renewed his attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal.
Malema also directed heavy criticism at local municipalities, accusing them of being captured by corrupt service providers. He alleged that municipal officials are demanding bribes before authorizing payments to service providers. Highlighting the impact of this corruption, he pointed to Gauteng, where billions of rand have been spent on water infrastructure, yet residents in some areas are still forced to push wheelbarrows to fetch water because funds have been diverted to corrupt service providers.
With the final rally concluded, the EFF is now shifting its full attention to the ballot box. South Africans will head to the polls next week, with Monday and Tuesday dedicated to special votes, followed by the general election for all citizens on Wednesday the 4th. The party hopes to successfully translate its campaign promises into votes and secure a stronger mandate in the upcoming elections.
