Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has urged his party members to campaign at every house in Cape Town to ensure the city becomes a "liberated zone" in the upcoming local government elections. Speaking at the launch of the Western Cape manifesto in Delft, Malema said the EFF should take power in the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town by November 4. He emphasized that Cape Town belongs to black people and all South Africans.
Malema outlined the EFF's promises, including providing clean drinkable water, electricity, and sanitation to every household. He stated that each house should have access to flushing toilets, and that the bucket toilet system should be abolished. The EFF leader also promised that under an EFF-led City of Cape Town, all residents would have access to jobs, regardless of their political affiliation. The only requirements for a job would be a South African ID and relevant qualifications.
Malema also focused on land reform, stating that the land in Stellenbosch did not belong to foreigners and should be used for production. He emphasized that the EFF is not advocating for the redistribution of land to build shacks, but rather to promote agricultural production. Malema also highlighted the importance of benefiting from Cape Town's natural resources, including the sea, and ensuring that fishing is not reserved for whites and foreigners with big ships.
The EFF leader made several promises related to healthcare, including providing clinics with nurses, doctors, ambulances, and medical equipment to treat cancer and other illnesses. He proposed that every ward should have one clinic and that unemployed doctors should be employed to work at these clinics. Malema also addressed concerns about pension grants, stating that the EFF would increase the grant to R4,500 and exempt beneficiaries from paying for electricity and water.
Malema criticized rival parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Patriotic Alliance, accusing them of backing Israel's actions against women and children. He warned that voting for these parties would mean enabling a "murderer" to continue killing. Malema also criticized the African National Congress (ANC), stating that it is no longer the party of Nelson Mandela, but rather a corrupt organization.
Malema emphasized that the EFF would deal with drug lords in Cape Town if the party were to be in charge of the police. He claimed that the EFF knows who sells drugs in the city and which houses are involved in drug trafficking. The EFF leader's speech was attended by thousands of party members and supporters.
The EFF's manifesto launch in Delft marked the beginning of the party's campaign for the local government elections. Malema's message was clear: the EFF aims to take over Cape Town and make it a "liberated zone" where all residents have access to basic services, jobs, and opportunities. The party's promises and Malema's rhetoric are likely to resonate with many voters in the Western Cape.
Key points
- EFF leader Julius Malema calls for party to take over Cape Town in local government elections
- Malema outlines EFF's promises, including clean water, electricity, and sanitation for all households
- Malema criticizes rival parties, including DA and ANC, and promises to deal with drug lords in Cape Town
