By Johnathan Paoli
EFF leader Julius Malema has called for a renewed stance against American imperialism and the intimidation directed at South Africa by US President Donald Trump.
This after a ‘politically incendiary’ meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trump, during which the American president leveled accusations of “White Genocide” against Malema’s party for chanting “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer”.
Malema further accused Trump of making disparaging remarks about the state of South African politics and crime.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at the Mminara Sports Ground in Ward 16, Koppies, Kwakwatsi, Free State, ahead of the upcoming by-elections, Malema delivered a fiery address on Sunday.
He told thousands of his supporters that he would never be intimidated by Trump.
“I will never be intimidated by America,” Malema thundered, to huge applause.
“I will never be intimidated by Donald Trump. That nonsense that Trump did in America, he will never do that nonsense in my presence because I will confront him here and there, with the facts.”
Malema took to the podium with typical firebrand energy, reminding the crowd of the EFF’s role as a people-centered movement.
“The EFF is the only organisation hated by imperialists because we are the only ones who refuse to be controlled,” Malema declared, drawing loud cheers.
Central to Malema’s speech was his unwavering defiance of the United States and Trump, whom he accused of meddling in South African affairs and undermining the EFF.
Malema also took aim at Ramaphosa’s handling of that trip, accusing the President of “cowardice”.
“Ramaphosa killed South African tourism when he went to the White House and declared our country a crime scene,” Malema said.
He further claimed Trump had acknowledged the EFF’s political strength during discussions with Ramaphosa.
“It was Donald Trump who told Cyril: ‘Don’t call the EFF a small organisation. They filled FNB Stadium—there was not a single empty seat.’ Even your enemies know we are not small,” Malema boasted.
In a clear rejection of any alliance with rival parties, Malema took a hard line on both the ANC and former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
“We will never unite with Zuma who wants to kill the EFF. We will never unite with MK, which seeks to destroy the EFF. We are not friends to the enemies of the EFF…Zuma is about himself and about his family. That’s why he went to form that Spaza Shop [party],” the CIC said.
He reiterated the EFF’s revolutionary roots and promised continued opposition to neoliberalism and foreign corporate interests.
Referring to Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Malema warned: “That Starlink will not come to South Africa unless it complies with Black Economic Empowerment. No one will bypass transformation in our country.”
Beyond foreign policy and party rivalry, Malema used the platform to champion local development issues.
He vowed to support victims of violence, announced intentions to pursue private prosecutions on behalf of families, and pledged free sanitary pads for all girl children as a continuation of the EFF’s push for dignity and gender equity.
Meanwhile, EFF Free State Chairperson Coach Liphoko, talking on the sidelines, defended the party’s position on land reform.
“We have not taken any farms yet, but that does not mean we won’t. The land must come back to the people,” he said, echoing the party’s foundational land expropriation stance.
As the by-elections in Ward 16 approach, the red berets expect Malema’s high-profile visit will galvanise support in the region.
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