WATCH | Ramaphosa rebukes Malema’s personal attacks, calls for respectful debate

Malema

Cape Town – In his closing remarks on Monday during parliamentary debates on Monday President Cyril Ramaphosa criticised EFF leader Julius Malema for focusing too much on personal attacks rather than substantive issues.

Ramaphosa urged Malema to “play the ball, not the man”, emphasising the importance of respectful discourse.

“It is important that as we debate, we should play the ball and not the man. You spent a considerable amount of time playing me, the man,” the president said.

He challenged Malema to engage in constructive dialogue on matters like the formation of the National Union of Mineworkers, suggesting Malema educate himself by speaking with key historical figures involved.

“You and I need to sit down and talk about politics, especially about apartheid-era politics, which I think confuses you… I will be doing this so that whenever you stand up and talk, it will be about something that will give us a way forward,” the president said.


Ramaphosa also defended his family against personal attacks, stressing the need for mutual respect among politicians for the country’s progress.

“You (Malema) stood here some two years ago and insulted me and my father and said he was an apartheid police officer. Yes, I am proud to have been the son of a policeman, a very good policeman.

“I’ve spoken to your grandmother, and I would never stand here and insult your grandmother because I respect her. I also respect you. I am saying this to ensure that as politicians, we must respect each other.

“We must show that what we’re doing will take our country forward. What you said here did not only offend me, but many other people. I’m ending here,” Ramaphosa said.

Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram

Picture: X/@Thesonofwoman

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by