Julius Malema, the President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), responded to the recent meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump, dismissing it as mere “gossip” about him and his party’s policies.
Malema took to X (previously Twitter) to express his disdain, stating, “A group of older men meet in Washington to gossip about me. No significant amount of intelligence evidence has been produced about white genocide. We will not agree to compromise our political principles on land expropriation without compensation for political expediency”.
A group of older men meet in Washington to gossip about me. No significant amount of intelligence evidence has been produced about white genocide. We will not agree to compromise our political principles on land expropriation without compensation for political expediency.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) May 21, 2025
The EFF leader’s comments came after Trump played a documentary featuring Malema singing the Kill the Boer song, which Trump used to call for Malema’s arrest. Ramaphosa condemned the song, stating it didn’t align with South Africa’s stance, and also mentioned the EFF is a minority party with only 9% of the electorate.
Malema’s response reflects his unwavering stance on land expropriation without compensation, a core principle of the EFF’s platform aimed at addressing historical inequalities in land ownership. His remarks suggest he views the White House meeting as an attempt to pressure South Africa into softening its position.
Key Points from Malema’s Response:
Land Expropriation: Malema emphasized that the EFF won’t compromise on land expropriation without compensation for political expediency.
White Genocide Claims: He dismissed claims of “white genocide” as lacking intelligence evidence.
Political Principles: Malema reaffirmed the EFF’s commitment to its legislative and political agenda.
The EFF criticised Trump’s calls for Malema’s arrest and Ramaphosa’s condemnation of the Kill the Boer song, pointing out that the chant was upheld by the Equality Court and ratified by the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court as part of African heritage and not to be taken literally.
Also see: Citizens deliberate on what President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the U.S means
