Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema speaks during a debate to the possibility of initiating proceedings to remove South African President Cyril Ramaphosa from office, at a parliamentary session in Cape Town on December 13, 2022. – Ramaphosa, who was championed as a graft-busting saviour after the corruption-tainted tenure of predecessor Jacob Zuma, has been marred by accusations that he attempted to cover up a huge cash theft at his luxury farm. (Photo by Gianluigi Guercia / AFP)
National Shutdown: ‘Let’s go and fight. Don’t be cowards’ says Malema in fiery speech [WATCH]
Malema highlighted issues such as unemployment, load shedding, and lack of basic services, and called for President Ramaphosa to resign.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema speaks during a debate to the possibility of initiating proceedings to remove South African President Cyril Ramaphosa from office, at a parliamentary session in Cape Town on December 13, 2022. – Ramaphosa, who was championed as a graft-busting saviour after the corruption-tainted tenure of predecessor Jacob Zuma, has been marred by accusations that he attempted to cover up a huge cash theft at his luxury farm. (Photo by Gianluigi Guercia / AFP)
In a fiery video message ahead of the planned National Shutdown on 20 March, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema called South Africans to take action and occupy the streets.
Malema Highlights Issues Facing South Africans, Including Unemployment, Load Shedding, and Lack of Basic Services
The EFF has said the National Shutdown is over the ongoing load shedding crisis and the need for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.
Malema called on South Africans to make their voices heard, saying the “streets are calling.” He highlighted the high levels of unemployment in the country and stated it could not be tolerated any longer.
He also spoke about the load shedding crisis and urged those affected to stand up and show the ANC government they were tired.
The EFF leader touched on corruption, the high cost of living, crime, gender-based violence and the collapse of education and healthcare.
He also pointed to the lack of basic services like water and electricity in many townships and villages. “Many townships do not have water, and [in] the villages, electricity is a privilege of the few. Potholes are right in front of each and every house, and anyone who denies that there are potholes, he’s hallucinating. Businesses are closing all over South Africa.”
He also accused Ramaphosa of hiding “criminal money” at his Phala Phala farm. He called on the President to step down immediately and said he had not been loyal to his oath of office.
Malema ended his speech by urging South Africans “to go and fight” and not be cowards.
The EFF has been a vocal critic of Ramaphosa’s government and has called for his resignation several times. The National Shutdown on 20 March is expected to be a significant event, with various groups and organisations, including South Africa’s second-largest trade union federation SAFTU, participating in demanding change and accountability from the government.
WATCH THE SPEECH BELOW:
National Shutdown coverage:
