By Marcus Moloko
As the country celebrates the festive season, marked by joy, family gatherings, and celebration, economic hardship, unemployment, and poverty remain realities for many households.
EFF leader Julius Malema has urged the country’s citizens to embrace the spirit of giving and community care.
Malema, during an EFF presser, said celebrating without sharing missed the true meaning of the season.
He cautioned against hoarding old clothes that could benefit others, describing the behavior as selfish when people lived without necessities.
He challenged citizens to look beyond political blame and recognize that individuals carried the responsibility of alleviating suffering.
“It’s not only the ANC that is a problem, you are a problem,” he said, emphasizing that ordinary citizens can make a difference by opening their homes and hearts.
Malema urged communities to ease this pain by including the marginalized in celebrations.
Sharing food, donating clothing, or simply inviting a neighbor’s child to join in festivities can foster dignity and hope. He stressed that children should never be used in political or personal battles, but rather protected and nurtured to see a brighter future.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Malema noted that he became who he is today because his neighbors were kind to him. This reciprocity, he argued, built stronger communities.
“Let’s be good because we don’t know what those children of your neighbors are going to become,” he said.
Importantly, Malema warned against turning generosity into a tool of control.
Even amid poverty and unemployment, Malema reminded South Africans to pause and appreciate life itself. Gratitude, he said, was essential, as it allowed people to find joy even in difficult circumstances.
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