As families in Mthatha struggle to recover from devastating floods, EFF leader Julius Malema has stepped in—not just to show support but to sharply criticise the government’s sluggish response.
His message? Action is what matters most when lives are on the line.
During a visit to the affected area on Saturday, 28 June, Malema didn’t hold back, expressing deep frustration over how long it took for officials to step in.
“More than 100 people died before the army even showed up,” he said.
“If this isn’t an emergency, then what is? We can’t just keep holding meetings—we need to be on the ground, helping.”
EFF Promises Dignified Funerals for Victims
One of Malema’s main pledges was to help families give proper burials to those lost in the floods.
He promised the EFF would step in, especially if local officials or authorities tried to get in the way.
“Nobody should be denied the right to bury their loved ones,” he insisted.
“We’ll make sure every person who needs to be buried, gets buried.”
According to The Citizen, Malema also made it clear he would push back against any traditional leaders, police, or municipal officers who interfered with burial arrangements.
Children Left Homeless: A Call for Shelter
Malema raised serious concerns about displaced families—particularly those with young children—being turned away from temporary shelters, including churches.
“We can’t have kids sleeping under trees,” he said.
“Let’s find a wall, a school, or a church.
Let’s go back and talk to the churches again—they need shelter now.”
His appeal was urgent: families need immediate, safe places to stay while longer-term solutions are worked out.
Wealthy South Africans Urged to Step Up
Malema didn’t just focus on the government.
He called on rich individuals, Black business owners, and major foundations to play their part—especially singling out the Motsepe Foundation.
“Where’s the Motsepe Foundation when parents are begging for clothes for their children?” he asked.
He compared the lack of assistance in Mthatha to the well-supported disaster response in Cape Town, questioning why similar urgency wasn’t being applied here.
“When disaster hit Cape Town, companies sent food, clothing, and supplies. Why is it different here?”
It’s About More Than Just Emergency Aid
Malema stressed that communities need far more than just food parcels—they need help to rebuild their lives from scratch.
“People didn’t just lose homes—they lost clothes, furniture, everything,” he said. “We need to help them start over.”
He especially highlighted the needs of women, calling for donations of sanitary products, toiletries, and clothing.
Saluting Local Women Leading the Response
The EFF leader had high praise for the women running grassroots relief centres, calling them the backbone of the recovery efforts.
“They are the ones leading with strength,” he said.
“Keep telling the truth about what your communities need.
Don’t lie for handouts—we want honesty.”
He made it clear that sponsors and donors should be supporting real needs, not photo ops or false narratives.
A Bigger Question for South Africa
Malema’s visit and comments raise a larger issue: Are wealthier South Africans and corporations doing enough when disasters strike poor communities?
As families in Mthatha continue to suffer the effects of the floods, the message from the EFF is clear—don’t wait for help from above. Mobilise, support one another, and demand accountability.