EFF leader Julius Malema has hit back at allegations that his party is a "chaotic and corrupt" coalition partner. Speaking at Arena Holdings' leadership debate on Thursday, Malema argued that none of his party's members or leaders has ever been convicted of or charged with corruption. He acknowledged that political parties use this narrative to keep them out of government. Malema emphasized that the EFF is amenable to any form of governance as long as it improves the lives of South Africans.
Malema urged his detractors to provide evidence for allegations of corruption, insisting they cannot prove these claims where the EFF has governed. He cited examples of successful governance in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Gauteng, where no EFF member has been accused of corruption. Malema charged that the EFF's independence and inability to be controlled make them a problematic coalition partner. He claimed that the party's lack of external control is a major reason for opposition from other parties.
Malema relayed an instance during coalition negotiations where ANC leaders were reportedly confident of a partnership with the DA, citing that a DA-ANC partnership would be ideal for the DA's funders. He argued that this is not possible with the EFF, as there is no external individual who can claim control over the party. Malema stated that this independence is a major reason for opposition to the EFF. He emphasized that the party's leadership is accountable only to its members.
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis took a swipe at the EFF, accusing the party of causing instability in coalitions. He added that it is the DA's responsibility to keep parties like the EFF out of government. Malema hit back at Hill-Lewis, asking for specific examples of chaotic governance. He cited examples of successful governance in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg, where EFF members have been responsible for keeping cities clean and clinics open.
Hill-Lewis referred to high crime rates in communities and criticized Malema's conviction for firing a firearm in public as a contributor to his chaotic character. He described this as "deeply irresponsible behaviour for any leader in our society." Hill-Lewis also referenced the VBS scandal, accusing Malema of being "deeply involved in the theft of hundreds of millions [of rand] from elderly women in Limpopo."
Malema dismissed Hill-Lewis's comments as "pathetic" and accused him of hiding racism behind allegations of chaos. He stated that Hill-Lewis has no evidence to support his claims and is simply trying to discredit the EFF. Malema emphasized that the party has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the VBS scandal and that Hill-Lewis has no answer for the EFF's successful governance.
The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between the EFF and the DA, with both parties vying for influence in South African politics. Malema's assertions of the EFF's independence and accountability to its members are likely to continue to be a point of contention. The exchange between Malema and Hill-Lewis demonstrates the challenges of coalition governance in South Africa and the difficulties of building stable and effective partnerships between parties.
Key points
- The EFF leader emphasized that his party's independence and inability to be controlled make them a problematic coalition partner.
- Malema cited examples of successful governance in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Gauteng, where no EFF member has been accused of corruption.
- The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between the EFF and the DA, with both parties vying for influence in South African politics.
