By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema addressed hundreds of their members who had gathered in a large marquee in Bloemfontein, Free State.
This is part of a build-up to the 2024 national general elections.
EFF supporters from various regions in the Free State sang and chanted struggle songs before Malema addressed them.
Malema said he was happy to be there.
He said politics were boring before them.
“EFF has made politics fashionable. Before the EFF, no one spoke about land and today everybody speaks about the land including our kids who go to white people schools,” he said.
Malema said before the EFF, no one knew there was a Parliament channel.
“We made them know that there is a channel, and that they must see who is sleeping in Parliament or not,” he said.
He continued to say the youth of South Africa has said they were on the side of the EFF.
“They have responded through their votes that the only organisation that makes sense is the EFF and you can’t lie to them with RDPs, food parcels or even Nsfas. They said 30 years of mediocrity is not what we are going to associate with,” he said.
Malema said the youth knew the difference between glory and power.
“They think being driven around in luxury blue lights cars and having bodyguards is power. It is not, “he said.
He further accused EFF members of keeping quiet about the corruption, and being close to ANC leaders.
“You remain quiet because you drink alongside them and somehow benefit. You must know that when you drink and braai with Toto [human settlements MEC] in Mangaung and Metsimaholo, you are spending public money meant to help our people.”
Our people are suffering, There are no proper schools in Free State, they haven’t built proper schools since they took over, yet there’s no EFF to challenge them.”
While the EFF governs Sasolburg-headquartered Metsimaholo Municipality alongside the ANC and smaller parties, Malema said there was nothing to celebrate.
“If you listen to us carefully, we never mention Metsimaholo. Why? Because what you are doing there is not different from what the ANC and the DA did to our people.
Malema said the party is also aware of its members who are working with former ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule in building Magashule’s party, the African Congress for Transformation in Metsimaholo.
Malema said, the party is hard at work and will be ready to replace them.
He added that they are not dismayed by the behaviour of members whom he called opportunists as they are on their way out.
The African National Congress (ANC) expelled former ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule.
Magashule had faced charges of misconduct and bringing the party into disrepute for the unsanctioned suspension of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and a subsequent failure to apologise, even after being instructed to do so by the party.
Malema said the party’s so-called “Ground Forces” must be active in their societies and organize activities to bring the communities together.
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Video Courtesy of EFFSA.