The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced plans to contest a recent Western Cape High Court decision that suspended six of its members from participating in this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). Labeling the court’s decision as both undemocratic and unlawful, EFF leader Julius Malema voiced his concerns during a talk at the Durban University of Technology’s Ndumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg, as part of the party’s manifesto launch preparations.
“We will appeal to the Constitutional Court,” Malema stated, emphasizing the need to prevent a precedent where Parliament members are ousted through what he perceives as undemocratic methods, backed by a “captured judiciary.” Drawing parallels to Zimbabwe’s political landscape, where Parliament members faced challenges, Malema warned of a similar trajectory in South Africa. “It started like that in Zimbabwe; now it’s happening here. It must be stopped immediately,” he asserted.
Malema did not hold back on his criticism of the judiciary, underscoring the importance of accountability. “Judges are not the Constitution; they are not God and must be criticized when they err,” he remarked, questioning the court’s authority to limit parliamentary speech.
The EFF leader also shared a grim outlook on the upcoming State of the Nation Address, doubting it would offer any hope or solutions to South Africa’s pressing issues. He critiqued President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, accusing him and the African National Congress (ANC) of failing to maintain health facilities and infrastructure. Malema accused the president of relying on judicial protection to avoid political defeat. “President Ramaphosa is hiding behind the judges’ robes because he knows he can’t politically defeat us,” Malema added, dismissing concerns over the EFF’s parliamentary presence.
As the EFF gears up to take its fight to the Constitutional Court, Malema’s bold criticisms of the judiciary and the current administration spotlight the party’s determination to assert its role in South Africa’s political arena. The legal and political battles ahead promise to draw significant attention as the EFF challenges what it sees as an infringement on democratic principles and free speech within Parliament.
