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Tag: Julius Malema

  • Malema Questions Job Creation Claims After Ghana Repatriates Citizens From South Africa

    Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has questioned claims that removing African migrants from South Africa would solve the country’s unemployment crisis following the recent repatriation of Ghanaian citizens amid rising xenophobic tensions.

    Malema made the remarks during a media interaction in late May 2026 after Ghana evacuated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa over growing safety concerns linked to anti-immigrant protests and attacks.

    Ghana Repatriates Citizens Amid Tensions

    The Ghanaian government recently organised voluntary repatriation flights for about 300 citizens from South Africa, with more departures expected in the coming days.

    The move followed increasing reports of harassment, intimidation and xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries.

    According to reports, nearly 900 Ghanaians registered for evacuation after protests and threats escalated in some communities. South African authorities reportedly stated that only a small number of those repatriated were legally undocumented.

    Malema Rejects Anti-Migrant Narrative

    Reacting to the development, Malema challenged arguments that foreign nationals are responsible for South Africa’s economic struggles and unemployment rate.

    “Because the Ghanaians are gone now, 300 of them. How many 300 jobs were created after the Ghanaians have left?” he asked.

    The opposition politician described the narrative blaming migrants for job losses as “a myth” and “a lie,” arguing that such rhetoric only deepens division among Africans and fuels xenophobia.

    Malema also criticised Ghana’s decision to rapidly evacuate its citizens, saying the move painted all South Africans negatively and reduced opportunities for diplomatic engagement.

    Debate Over Immigration and Unemployment

    South Africa continues to battle one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with economic inequality, poverty and rising crime remaining major concerns.

    Recent anti-immigrant demonstrations have seen protesters demand that undocumented foreigners leave the country, with some groups linking migrants to crime and pressure on public services.

    However, analysts and rights groups have repeatedly warned against scapegoating migrants for broader structural economic failures, including corruption, weak governance and poor service delivery.

    Malema has consistently opposed xenophobic violence, while maintaining that immigration laws should still be enforced legally and peacefully.

    Social Media Reactions Intensify

    The comments have triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms, with Africans from different countries debating migration, regional unity and economic hardship.

    Some users supported Malema’s position, arguing that African countries should focus on unity and economic cooperation rather than division.

    Others defended tougher immigration enforcement, insisting that South Africa has a right to control illegal migration and protect local jobs.

    The controversy has again highlighted growing tensions between Pan-African ideals promoted under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and frustrations surrounding unemployment and insecurity across the continent.

    Diplomatic Concerns Remain

    Although both Ghanaian and South African officials have condemned violence and called for calm, concerns remain over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    Observers say the latest crisis underscores the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, economic reforms and policies capable of addressing youth unemployment and insecurity across Africa.

    The development also raises fresh questions about how African countries can balance migration policies, economic integration and citizen protection without inflaming ethnic or national tensions.

  • Malema Blasts Xenophobic Attacks, Questions Job Claims as Nigerians Targeted in South Africa

    Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has condemned rising xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, questioning the justification behind the violence.

    Malema challenges narrative on job losses

    Speaking amid growing tension, Malema criticised claims that immigrants are responsible for unemployment in South Africa.

    “You say Zimbabweans take your job, Nigerians take your jobs… after doing all this, how many jobs have you created,” he asked.

    He argued that attacks on foreign nationals have failed to produce any economic benefit.

    Destruction of businesses under fire

    Malema also condemned the destruction of immigrant-owned businesses, noting that such actions only worsen unemployment.

    “You close a shop that hires five people… after closing that shop, how many jobs have you created,” he said.

    He described those behind the attacks as lacking the capacity to address economic challenges constructively.

    Rejects politics built on division

    The EFF leader distanced himself from rhetoric that promotes hostility toward other Africans, insisting he would not seek support based on hate.

    “I don’t want votes that say to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me,” he stated.

    Nigerian government raises alarm

    The comments come as Nigerians in South Africa report renewed harassment, intimidation, and violence, with businesses looted and communities destabilised.

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) condemned the situation, describing it as worsening despite diplomatic efforts.

    “While many expected a de-escalation… the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” NIDCOM chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said.

    Deaths and fear grip affected communities

    NIDCOM disclosed that children of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while many business owners have shut down over safety concerns.

    The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, amid the unrest.

    The commission called for urgent intervention, including increased security in affected communities and an end to profiling of Nigerians.

     

  • Malema Sentenced to 5 Years, Appeals Conviction Over Public Gun Firing Incident

     

    South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public, a ruling that immediately triggered an appeal from his legal team as he seeks to avoid jail.

    Court ruling and sentence

    The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Twanet Olivier at a court in East London, where Malema appeared in a dark suit and red tie, showing little emotion as the sentence was read out.

    He had earlier been convicted of five offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in a public space.

    The court’s decision marks one of the most serious legal setbacks yet for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, who has remained a dominant and controversial figure in South African politics.

    How the incident happened

    The case dates back to 2018 when a video went viral showing Malema firing several shots into the air with a semi-automatic rifle during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Eastern Cape province.

    Prosecutors argued the act was dangerous and reckless, especially as it took place in a crowded public event attended by supporters and party members.

    In his defence, Malema insisted the firearm did not belong to him and claimed he only discharged it to energise the crowd during the celebration.

    However, the court dismissed the explanation, with Magistrate Olivier ruling that the act was deliberate and not impulsive.

    Appeal and legal reaction

    Immediately after the judgment, Malema’s lawyer filed an appeal, a move aimed at stopping any immediate imprisonment while the case continues through higher courts.

    The EFF leader has consistently maintained that he will challenge the ruling to the highest judicial level, including South Africa’s Constitutional Court if necessary.

    Malema himself had earlier framed possible jail time as part of his political struggle, saying, “We cannot be scared of prison or to die for the revolution.”

    Public reaction and support

    Outside the courtroom, hundreds of supporters gathered in solidarity, chanting and singing revolutionary songs in support of the EFF leader.

    The atmosphere reflected Malema’s continued influence among his base, despite growing legal and political pressure around him.

    He remains one of South Africa’s most polarising political figures, known for his fiery rhetoric and strong grassroots following.


    Malema’s party supporters have been out in force to show their solidarity

    Political background and rise

    Malema first rose to national prominence as the leader of the African National Congress Youth League, before being expelled following a fallout with then-President Jacob Zuma.

    He later went on to form the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party built on radical economic transformation policies, including calls for land expropriation without compensation.

    The EFF has since grown into a major opposition force and became the fourth-largest party in South Africa’s 2024 general elections.

    Other legal challenges

    Beyond the firearm conviction, Malema has also faced other court rulings, including a hate speech conviction linked to remarks made at a 2022 rally.

    That case followed comments interpreted by the equality court as inciting harm, although the EFF argued the statements were taken out of context.

    What next

    With the appeal now in motion, Malema’s legal and political future remains uncertain, as the case is expected to move through South Africa’s higher courts in what could become a prolonged legal battle.