Julius Malema, the leader of the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa, has made headlines once again by openly declaring himself a “proud international criminal” in defense of his activism. Malema made this statement during a speech at the St. Paul African Apostolic Church in Soweto, where he addressed the controversy surrounding his political stance.
In his speech, Malema drew parallels between himself and Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader who fought against apartheid and was once labeled a criminal for his activism. Malema stated, “Nelson Mandela was an international criminal—that’s what they declared him for fighting for the freedom of the people. If it means I’m joining the ranks of Nelson Mandela by being declared an international criminal for fighting for the rights of my people, then I’m proud to be an international criminal.”
However, Malema’s controversial statements have sparked global outrage, particularly after a two-year-old video of him chanting “Kill the Farmer” at a rally resurfaced on social media. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk publicly criticized Malema and called for sanctions against him, labeling him as an international criminal. The video was widely condemned for inciting racial division, but Malema and his supporters have defended it as a political metaphor addressing white economic dominance in South Africa.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Malema’s statements highlights the polarizing nature of his political activism and the deep-rooted issues of racial inequality and economic disparity in South Africa. As Malema continues to push for social and economic justice, his confrontational rhetoric and unapologetic stance have made him a divisive figure both nationally and internationally.
