Addressing supporters in Ward 16 in Koppies, Free State, Malema on Sunday (25/5) criticised Ramaphosa’s decision to discuss South Africa’s crime challenges on an international platform, labelling it harmful to the country’s image.

“Ramaphosa has killed the tourism of South Africa when he declared crime at the White House. Comrades, it doesn’t matter who we are, but when we go outside South Africa – especially in front of imperialism – we must close ranks,” Malema said.

This criticism comes ahead of the by-elections in Ward 16, set to take place on Wednesday (28/5), as Malema campaigns to bolster support for the EFF in the region.

Malema’s comments follow a high-profile visit by Ramaphosa and his delegation to Washington, DC, intended to reset strained relations with the Donald Trump administration. However, the visit took an unexpected turn when Trump presented videos and articles suggesting a “white genocide” in South Africa, citing land reform policies and political chants as evidence.

Trump specifically pointed to a video of Malema singing the struggle song “Kill the Boer, the Farmer”, questioning why Malema had not been arrested for his participation in the chant.

Malema dismissed the criticism, emphasising the EFF’s political influence in South Africa.

“It only took Donald Trump to remind all of you that this is not a small organisation. It was Donald Trump who said to Cyril Ramaphosa, ‘You can’t say this is a small organisation’ because it is the only organisation in South Africa that filled up the FNB Stadium,” he said.

Malema further accused Ramaphosa of portraying South Africa in a negative light on the global stage.

“The South African president went to America and said there is crime in South Africa. Yes, we know that, but why do you say that in America? Because if you say it in America, they will no longer come to South Africa as tourists,” he argued.

He likened Ramaphosa’s behaviour to that of a schoolchild reporting to a principal, accusing him of failing to defend the demands of South Africa’s majority for land, jobs, banks, and mines to be returned to their rightful owners.

“Ramaphosa and his team went to the US to complain about the majority of South Africans – that they want their land, jobs, banks, and mines back. They went as if they were children trying to impress their principal,” Malema said.

Malema also took a swipe at South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, stating that his businesses must comply with the country’s Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment regulations if they are to operate in South Africa.

“Elon Musk’s business cannot come to South Africa if it is not compliant with 30% BEE,” Malema asserted, emphasising the EFF’s stance on economic transformation.

The chant “Kill the Boer, the Farmer” has been at the centre of both international and local debate. Speaking to the SABC, former Pres. Thabo Mbeki explained that struggle songs such as this one are deeply rooted in African traditions and should be understood within their historical context.

“Chants of that nature in African tradition are not literal but symbolic,” Mbeki said.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg