Julius Malema: MK Party won't affect EFF support among progressive South Africans
Image: Ayana Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
EFF leader Julius Malema said on Thursday the MK Party, which is the third largest in Parliament, would not reduce its support base despite being relegated to fourth place after the 2024 elections.
'There is no MK that is going to reduce us. It will reduce us among tribalists, not among progressive South Africans,' Malema told the media during a briefing in Cape Town ahead of the party's anniversary celebrations on Saturday.
'There is no MK that can replace us ideologically, politically, and otherwise. You saw yesterday in Parliament, a mess in action,' he said.
He was referring to the flip-flopping made by MK Party chief whip Colleen Makhubele during the vote on the Appropriation Bill in the National Assembly.
Makhubele voted in support of the Bill only to change their vote, claiming she mistook it for the Ad Hoc Committee that was established to probe the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Malema expressed his shock that Makhubele had not corrected herself when she was allowed to do so by Parliament's House chairperson Cedric Frolick, but 'she says we vote in support'.
He also noted that Makhubele had 'thrown her toys' when Frolick did not recognise her, instead of EFF MP Omphile Maotwe, when there was an opportunity to object and call for a division when the schedule of budgets of the department was voted.
'The TG (treasurer-general Omphile Maotwe) said 'we are going against and called for a division'. She threw her toys. The issue was much bigger than emotions. When they objected and called for division, we supported them,' he said.
'She behaved like she was not a leader and threw toys,' Malema added.
He also said the EFF has proven to be an effective opposition party in Parliament.
Malema also said his party was making huge inroads in the Western Cape ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
He said the Western Cape was one of the provinces where the Red Berets increased the number of votes during the May 2024 general elections.
'Research shows that the EFF is to have huge increases in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. We are here to consolidate the ground because this is where we want to grow,' he claimed.
Explaining the Western Cape as the host of their 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema said the province had never hosted their anniversaries.
'We were told the season is not good, it's rainy and windy. We have had to take a bold decision that we can't have a province in the history of our organisation, which has never hosted the national celebrations of the EFF, because we are a national organisation.'
The EFF national leaders moved the anniversary celebrations from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape following the devastating floods that displaced people and left communities in mourning.
'The EFF made the responsible decision to relocate the venue out of respect and solidarity with those affected.'
He also said the choice of Khayelitsha as a venue was significant because it is the second largest township and home to thousands of poor and working-class Africans who lived under the weight of special apartheid and deliberate under-development.
'Khayelitsha remains physically and economically separated from the so-called World Class parts of Cape Town. When the DA-led city speaks of this smart city, they are not referring to Khayelitsha. They are referring to the wide enclaves of Sea Point, Claremont, Constantia, and Stellenbosch, while the people of Khayelitsha are left to swim in poverty, crime, poor sanitation, overcrowding, and the lack of basic housing.'
Malema said they have erected a dome with a capacity to accommodate 10,000 people as the main venue for the rally.
'This structure includes all essential amenities, including sanitation facilities, and will be ready to host thousands of Fighters, supporters, and community members.
'We expect a powerful turnout from surrounding areas, including side B, Site C, TR Section, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Delft, and Belhar.'
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
34 minutes ago
- Eyewitness News
EFF makes request for free venue to carry out Madlanga commission
JOHANNESBURG -The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have written a letter to the Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, calling for cheaper venue options for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that will probe corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system. The commission, set to begin this month, will investigate explosive allegations by KwaZulu- Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi implicating among other top officials, now- suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu In its letter, the EFF argues the country has already spent too much money on previous commissions, including the state capture inquiry. [WATCH] The Madlanga Commission: Meet the legal and investigative team EFF member of Parliament (MP) Mazwi Blose said they have offered alternatives. 'We are being proactive because we draw inspiration, or we draw lessons from the Zondo commission. We really wasted close to a billion rand of State money, that could have been utilised better in providing services for our people.' Blose said they must find a venue that will not cost taxpayers money. 'Let's go find a venue which is not going to cost taxpayers money, and which is actually going to be free, because state institutions do have venues, we've got community halls, civic centres, public works, we've got facilities that must be made available.' READ MORE • Madlanga inquiry: Application for evidence to be heard in-camera won't be granted easily • Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to work hard to meet deadlines set by Ramaphosa • Judicial commission of inquiry probing criminality in justice system to begin in August
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Bill proposes barring impeached individuals from becoming public representatives
The DA's Glynnis Breytenbach says the party's private member's bill seeks to remove the gap in the law that allows impeached judges and Chapter 9 heads from being members of Parliament, provincial legislatures and councils. Image: File Picture: Phill Magakoe/Independent Newspapers If the DA could have its way, the Constitution should be amended to bar impeached judges and heads of Chapter 9 Institutions to stand for election as MPs, councillors and Members of Provincial Legislatures. The party's MP Glynnis Breytenbach has published a notice of intention to introduce a private members bill and invitation for comment on the draft bill. The bill comes in the wake of former judge John Hlophe and former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane being elected as MPs for the MK Party and EFF respectively after they were impeached over the past few years. Breytenbach said her party seeks to remove the gap in the law that allows impeached judges and Chapter 9 heads from being members of Parliament, provincial legislatures and councils. 'The bill will ensure that any judge or person appointed in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution that has been removed from office due to misconduct, is disqualified from becoming a Member of Parliament (MP), provincial legislature of municipal council. 'Allowing such individuals to become MPs brings the institution into disrepute and erodes public confidence in Parliament's ability to hold the executive and the judiciary accountable,' she said. Breytenbach also said South Africans deserved representatives that embody honesty and integrity, and allowing that category of persons found guilty of misconduct to become MPs was a slap in the face of honest, law-abiding South Africans. 'The bill will be a strong step toward bolstering public trust in Parliament and increasing the legislature's ability to hold other arms of government accountable. While other parties are intent on filling parliamentary positions with their impeachables, the DA seeks to close the gap in our law and bring integrity to our parliamentary bodies,' she said. Breytenbach called on interested parties to submit public comments on the proposed bill. 'Members of the public are strongly encouraged to give input on the Bill by making public submissions. Interested parties are invited to send their written submissions on the content of the Bill to the Speaker of the National Assembly by 31 August 2025.' The bill proposes amendment to sections 47, 106 and 158 of the Constitution. It will add to the list of citizens who are ineligible to become members of the National Assembly, a provincial legislature, and a municipal council respectively. The bill's memorandum states that the Constitution will be amended to provided that a former judge or person appointed in terms of Chapter 9, who was previously removed from office on the ground of either gross misconduct or misconduct, is not eligible to become a member of Parliament, a provincial legislature or a Municipal Council. [email protected]
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Trump tariffs upon us and the Sarb tightens our belts
President Donald Trump holds a chart on reciprocal tariffs during an event titled 'Make America Wealthy Again', at the White House in Washington, DC. Image: Brendan Smialowski/AFP The South African Government has 'pulled out all the stops' during a flurry of trade delegations and counter offers but is now making arrangements to deal with the expected fallout, including the establishment of an export-support desk that will provide updates and advisory services to exporters, and a rumoured package of Treasury-backed incentives for some affected sectors. Trump tariffs prompt Africa's recalibration These matters are, as always, subject to change. In April the Trump administration announced a 31% tariff on South Africa, which was then suddenly dropped to 10%. Lesotho, somehow, evaded its scheduled 50% tariffs this week, which would have halved its economic growth this year and again the next. Lesotho now faces 15% tariffs, but the damage done by the US here and elsewhere won't immediately be forgotten. In Maseru layoffs have already occurred, and textile manufacturers are energetically looking for new markets. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Meanwhile, China announced plans to eliminate all tariffs on imports from 53 African states, expressly positioning itself as Africa's preferred trading partner. The global order is being firmly shaken. Who will be best placed to pick up the pieces? Will the Sarb's new inflation anchor drag against growth? After the 31 July SARB Monetary Policy Committee meeting, the Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced a 25-basis point lowering of the interest rate and that the SARB would be revising its inflation target to 3% from its previous 3–6% range. The revised target makes it unlikely that we'll see any more interest-rate cuts this year, meaning borrowing will remain more expensive than many households and businesses might have hoped. Kganyago emphasised that the SARB expected the new target to enhance credibility with global investors – making borrowing for the state less expensive – and protect the rand (which has fallen to a several-month low nonetheless). StatsSA will release its CPI inflation data around 20 August, which will give SMEs some guidance in terms of input-cost planning in this tightening market. Upcoming indicators will show the effect of uncertainty on business conditions Economic indicators scheduled for release in August will provide useful guidance for SME planning. The S&P Global South Africa PMI announced on 5 August 2025 serves as a single-figure snapshot of operating conditions in the private-sector economy. Recent PMI performance showed improvement to 50.8 in May 2025, marking the first growth since November 2024, and indicating the fastest business activity expansion in four years. The Bureau for Economic Research conducts its quarterly business confidence survey mid-August, with questionnaires distributed to manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and construction sectors. Results, typically published in early September, will influence Q4 2025 business planning. Current confidence levels fell to 40 points in Q2 2025 from 45 points in Q1, remaining below the long-term average of 43 points, suggesting cautious SME sentiment, and who's to blame them. Global government representatives arrive in SA to discuss the plight of the SME Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the closing remarks at the Global SME Ministerial Meeting on 24 July 2025 in Boksburg. The event, themed 'Navigating New Business Frontiers', brought together representatives and Ministers from more than 100 countries to 'address the most pressing issues hindering SMEs from reaching their full potential.' Deputy President Mashatile emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to the continent's entrepreneurial landscape, and of the SME sector in general, but could reference nothing concrete the government was doing to support them, apart from the R100 Billion Transformation Fund touted by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, with public comment currently being reviewed by the dtic. GNU passes a national budget In some good news, the GNU continues to make its way unsteadily forward, with the National Council of Provinces effectively passing the 2025 National Budget. All GNU partners approved the Appropriation Bill that allowed the budget process to be concluded. When tough conditions prompt pragmatic alignment amongst our political leaders, at least there's some room for optimism. Miguel da Silva, Group Executive: Business Banking at TymeBank. Miguel Da Silva. Image: supplied.
