EFF leader Julius Malema. Image source: X @EFFSouthAfrica
Malema’s ‘anti-Springboks’ rampage continues
EFF leader Julius Malema continues to explain the reasons behind his refusal to support Springboks in their current form.
EFF leader Julius Malema. Image source: X @EFFSouthAfrica
In the latest iteration of his long-running agenda against the Springboks, Julius Malema has clarified his and the EFF’s stance on the matter. They maintain they support the national rugby team, but not its symbolism.
ALSO READ: Malema doubles down on Springboks comments
In the midst of the Springboks celebrations, following their victorious Rugby World Cup campaign, EFF leader Julius Malema has condemned the name, the colour and the emblem of our national rugby team. Despite the backlash he’s received for his comments, Malema has refused to back down or take his words back. Instead, he has come back with a new video statement further clarifying his stance.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Malema rants and raves about Boks, ‘apartheid symbol’
MALEMA SUPPORTS THE PLAYERS, NOT THE SPRINGBOKS
In his latest address, the Commander in Chief of the EFF tried to explain his views in a slightly calmer fashion. Malema’s previous posts on X have come across as aggressive to the point that he’s resorted to swearing at users who disagree with him.
In his latest video, he explained that he supports our national rugby team, its players and even its two-time World Cup-winning captain, Siya Kolisi. However, he drew the line at supporting the national colours, the emblem or even the name of our rugby team.
ALSO READ: Change Bafana’s name to “Amadoda” – Maimane tells Malema/Ndlozi
He said, “We must never make any apology for our rejection of the Springbok emblem and the name Springbok attached to our rugby team and the colours. All of them represent apartheid and were adopted to distinguish white people from black people who were playing rugby.”
‘CAN’T WE JUST BE HAPPY’?
Malema’s week-long rant has divided the country. Many of the EFF’s most vocal supporters on social media have rallied behind their leader. Others, however, have accused the politician of trying to ride the wave of the Springboks’ World Cup win in order to gain attention. One user shared their theory on X when they said, “Why wait for them to win the World Cup then only bring this up. You guys are looking to ride the wave by making this a political issue when it is not. Proteas??? are they also a symbol of Racism? Like crcly i love Juju but this is weird. Cant we just be happy…”
ALSO READ: ‘Meltdown’: Malema loses temper after X user calls EFF ‘10% party’
More neutrals were keen to point out that even if Julius Malema has a point (and the jury is still out here), his conduct is extremely concerning and doesn’t bode well for potential leadership roles.
