Julius Malema Calls on Church to Join Effort Against Landlessness and Societal Issues

EFF leader Julius Malema made a passionate plea for the church to play a crucial role in addressing landlessness during his visit to the St. Paul’s Apostolic African Church in Soweto on Sunday. Speaking at the church’s thanksgiving feast, Malema addressed pressing national issues, including land reform, crime, gender-based violence (GBV), and substance abuse. His comments also touched on the recent diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States following President Donald Trump’s executive order, which reduced key funding to South Africa.

Malema, who has been an outspoken advocate for land expropriation, did not hold back in his speech. “We want the land, and next time they ask me what I want to do with the land, I will say I want to do what my pastor has done with the land,” he stated. Malema emphasized that he would not be intimidated by outside figures such as Elon Musk, who had referred to him as an “international criminal” on social media, or by President Trump.

Musk’s criticism stemmed from a 2018 post where Malema declared, “We will cut the throat of whiteness,” during a campaign to remove then-Mayor Athol Trollip from his position. Despite the backlash, Malema stood firm in his commitment to his political beliefs, stating that he would not be swayed by Musk or Trump. “I have never committed a crime against anyone,” he asserted.

In his address, Malema expressed that the label of “international criminal” did not faze him. “I am so happy to be an international criminal because Nelson Mandela was an international criminal. That is what they called him for fighting for the freedom of our people. If it means I am joining the ranks of Mandela, so be it. I am a proud international criminal,” Malema declared confidently.

Malema also took the opportunity to highlight his recent attendance at an auction with white farmers, emphasizing that this action was a deliberate move to show Trump and Musk that he harbors no ill will towards white farmers.

The EFF leader called on the church to join the party’s efforts in tackling major societal issues, particularly GBV, substance abuse, and unemployment. “We call upon the church to join the EFF in calling to ban the advertisement of alcohol,” Malema urged, condemning alcohol advertisements for normalizing its consumption and contributing to social ills. He also reflected on the church’s pivotal role in the country’s liberation movements, noting that it had been a source of strength for oppressed South Africans during apartheid.

Malema reminded the congregation that the church’s voice is still crucial in addressing today’s moral and ethical challenges. “It would be unfair for me to speak as though only politics can resolve these challenges,” he said.

The EFF leader also encouraged the church to renew its commitment to socio-economic issues, reflecting on its historical role in opposing apartheid. “The church was the only tool to oppose the cruel regime of Pretoria when liberation movements were banned and suppressed,” he recalled. He called on the church to once again rise to the occasion and address the country’s current struggles, which include high levels of crime, GBV, and femicide.

Malema concluded his address by stressing the importance of faith in overcoming the country’s current crisis. “As a nation, we have turned our backs on our faith, and as a result, the evils of crime, GBV, and murder have become normal occurrences,” he said. He warned that a nation without strong faith is a lost nation, emphasizing that the church had played an essential role in the fight against apartheid and must continue to play a pivotal role in overcoming the moral challenges of today.

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