The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, never holds back when it comes to criticizing the government.
This weekend, he used the party’s Siyabonga rally in Seshego, Polokwane, to lash out at what he calls the misuse of state funds — particularly targeting the National Dialogue.
The rally came just weeks after the EFF’s ward 13 by-election victory in Limpopo, where the party secured a strong 57% against the ANC’s 39%.
For Malema, this was not just a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to sharpen his party’s message ahead of 2026.
Malema Dismisses the National Dialogue
According to Malema, the much-publicized National Dialogue was nothing but a costly exercise with little to show for it.
He slammed the government for pouring resources into an event that, in his view, failed to deliver solutions.
“It served no purpose. It only protected the egos of certain people and wasted money,” Malema told the crowd.
He accused the organizers of ignoring calls to postpone the dialogue and claimed the event ended up embarrassing itself.
His biggest gripe? The R700 million price tag.
Malema argued that the government was spending money it didn’t have while ignoring the real struggles faced by ordinary South Africans.
Building EFF’s Base in Limpopo
The rally also carried a message of growth. Malema made it clear that the EFF is determined to expand its presence across Limpopo, with eyes firmly set on the 2026 local government elections.
“We are ready to win wards in Bela Bela and across Limpopo.
We want the EFF present in every township, municipality, and rural area,” he declared.
For Malema, the by-election win was just the beginning of a broader takeover plan.
Remembering Marikana 13 Years Later
The gathering also carried a somber tone as Malema paid tribute to the victims of the Marikana massacre.
Thirteen years ago, police shot and killed 34 striking miners at the Lonmin platinum mine in Rustenburg — a tragedy that still haunts South Africa.
Malema reminded the crowd that Marikana remains a defining moment for the EFF.
“The pain of Marikana remains our pain, because to this day no one has been held accountable,” he said, extending condolences to the widows and children of the slain miners.
What’s Your Take?
Malema’s fiery remarks leave a big question hanging: is he right to call the National Dialogue a waste of money, or does the government have a case for hosting it?
What do you think — was it a platform for progress or a political showpiece?
