Malema questions Zuma’s commitment to black consciousness

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has criticized former President Jacob Zuma, accusing him of “abusing black unity.” His comments follow the departure of top EFF members, including former Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and ex-chairperson Dali Mpofu, who have joined Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

The party is currently hosting its third Elective Conference in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Malema says the party’s third National People’s Assembly theme is “defending, rebuilding and advancing the struggle for economic freedom.”

Malema questions Zuma’s commitment to black consciousness during his tenure as State President.

“You as delegates must ask yourselves where this black consciousness and black unity was when the Marikana workers were killed… whose blood nourished the birth of this economic emancipation movement while the so-called new leaders of black unity were sitting as State President and even justified the killing of mineworkers in Marikana, who were all, by the way, black. Did the need for black unity not exist when the youth of this country were jailed and killed for demanding free education under the new messiah of black unity?”

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‘End occupation of Palestine’

Malema has also called for Israel to end its occupation of Palestine.

Israel launched airstrikes and a ground incursion into Gaza after Hamas launched attacks on Israel more than a year ago.

Malema says Israel should also not be allowed to participate in international sports.

“Fellow fighters, the 2nd NPA mandates us to continue to call for an end to the occupation of Palestine by apartheid Israel. To call for the complete isolation of Israel by South Africa. In all international bodies, apartheid Israel should not be allowed to participate in international sporting platforms, such as World Cups, the Olympics and other international sporting codes.”