EFF Leader Julius Malema Defends Party Against DA Claims

The Spark of the Debate

During a City of Johannesburg Leadership Debate, DA leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis accused the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of bringing chaos and corruption to coalition governments. He argued that the EFF’s involvement leads to unstable municipalities.

Malema’s Counter‑Argument

Asking for Proof

Julius Malema hit back, demanding Hill‑Lewis show a specific example where the EFF ran a municipality chaotically. He pointed to the EFF’s role in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, saying no evidence of disorder exists.

Service Delivery Record

Malema highlighted that EFF members serving as Members of Mayoral Committees (MMCs) have not been accused of wrongdoing. In Tshwane, one MMC oversees cleanliness and another keeps clinics open, with none closed under their watch.

Reference to Herman Mashaba

He recalled former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, who stated the EFF never approached him for tenders. Malema used this to question what “chaos” Hill‑Lewis was actually talking about.

Accusations of Racism

Malema claimed the DA hides racial bias behind the word “chaos,” suggesting unfounded accusations are a subtle form of racism aimed at discrediting the EFF because of its Black leadership.

Hill‑Lewis’s Rebuttal

Weapon Conviction and VBS Scandal

Hill‑Lewis responded by referencing Malema’s past conviction for firing an automatic weapon in public and the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. He alleged the EFF, and Malema personally, were involved in stealing hundreds of millions from elderly women in Limpopo.

State Capture Claims

The DA leader accused the EFF of facilitating and participating in corruption and state capture wherever it gains power.

Malema’s Defence on VBS

Malema rejected the allegations, saying Hill‑Lewis could not back his claims. He noted that Parliament cleared him of any VBS wrongdoing and insisted no EFF member was found guilty in that case.

Floyd Shivambu’s Situation

When Hill‑Lewis brought up a parliamentary finding involving former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, Malema clarified that Shivambu was only found guilty of failing to declare money, not of VBS‑related corruption.

“You Can’t Control Us”

Independence as a Sticking Point

Malema argued that the real issue is the EFF’s independence. He said the party is open to any form of governance that improves people’s lives, and no EFF official has ever been accused of corruption due to their position.

Control Narrative

He claimed accusations that the EFF is too difficult to work with are really about control: opponents cannot dictate terms to a party that refuses to be led by white individuals.

No White Control

Malema emphasized that no white person can claim control over the EFF, which he believes fuels the reluctance of other parties to form coalitions with them.

Hill‑Lewis’s Final Point

Hill‑Lewis maintained that EFF participation in coalition governments leads to instability, citing ongoing problems in Ekurhuleni as evidence that the party’s presence brings chaos and corruption.

Conclusion

The exchange between Julius Malema and Geordin Hill‑Lewis highlights a deeper tension: accusations of chaos and corruption versus claims of racial bias and a struggle for control. While each side presents its own evidence and interpretations, the debate underscores the challenges South Africa faces in forming stable, effective coalition governments. For young readers, the takeaway is to look beyond slogans, ask for concrete proof, and consider how political narratives can shape public perception.