Cape Town – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has announced his availability to lead the party for another term.
As the EFF prepares for its 11th-anniversary rally on Saturday at the AR Abass Sports Ground in Kimberley, Malema confirmed during an interview with SABC his readiness to continue his leadership, emphasising his commitment to democratic scrutiny within the party structures.
The EFF will hold its People’s Assembly in December to elect a new party structure.
Malema, who has been at the helm since the EFF’s inception in 2013, reiterated his willingness to lead the party, saying: “Yes, I am available, absolutely available. Anyone who comes to me, coming to ask me that question must know that the answer is yes. I will work for them to come. All I’m saying is that I always subject myself to the Democratic scrutiny of EFF structures and that democracy has worked for the EFF as we go to celebrate 11 years of the EFF.”
Malema also addressed the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, where he and Deputy Floyd Shivambu were implicated.
He dismissed the accusations as attempts to tarnish the EFF’s reputation.
“VBS to us is a swear word when they want to swear at us they say VBS. So they don’t genuinely mean it,” said Malema.
Last week the AfriForum opened a criminal case against Malema and Shivambu, for their involvement in the scandal.
AfriForum filed the criminal complaint on Friday last week and asked authorities to investigate the two politicians and the political party as a criminal enterprise, EWN reported.
“We believe in equality of the law, that is what we are all about. We want to ensure that this matter gets the attention it deserves. We think there is a reluctance by the NPA to take action and to prosecute Mr Malema and Shivambu,” AfriForum’s Gerrie Nel, said.
According to The Citizen, AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel echoed Nel’s view that authorities should investigate Malema and Shivambu on various charges.
“The planned and repeated fraud, corruption and money laundering offences allegedly committed by EFF leaders Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu may meet the requirements for racketeering, as defined in the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA),” Kriel said.
Reflecting on the EFF’s 11 years, Malema highlighted the party’s achievements in advocating for land expropriation, insourcing, free education, and government accountability.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
