Malema slams Ramaphosa, SADC for handling Mnangagwa with kid gloves

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), expressed strong criticism of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), for their persistent failure to hold President Emmerson Mnangagwa accountable for his authoritarian rule, which has instilled fear among the opposition in Zimbabwe.

Speaking during his party's 10th-anniversary celebrations in Johannesburg, Malema, a fervent advocate of pan-Africanism, voiced his concerns. He argued that both the AU and SADC have transformed into exclusive clubs of elites, seemingly indifferent to the myriad issues plaguing the African population.

He remarked, "The African Union resembles a gathering of friends who hesitate to hold each other responsible. They can meet with a dictator who has recently inflicted harm on his people, yet they remain silent. We cannot allow the African Union to continue functioning in this manner."

Malema also pointed out the inaction of SADC in addressing the challenges in Zimbabwe, noting, "Within SADC, we are confronted with issues in Zimbabwe. However, SADC member states avoid criticizing the Zimbabwean government due to a sense of camaraderie. Meanwhile, this government is violating the rights of its citizens."

Malema emphasized the repressive impact of Zimbabwe's draconian laws on Mnangagwa's political opponents, stating, "Not a single SADC member has dared to express their concerns or question these actions. Therefore, we cannot tolerate regional and continental organizations, including the Pan African Parliament, failing to take decisive action against countries engaged in wrongful activities."

Malema proposed that President Ramaphosa should play a constructive role by holding President Mnangagwa accountable, highlighting the shared African identity and interests of these leaders. He urged these regional and continental organizations not to remain exclusive gatherings of elites but to actively work toward practical solutions for the challenges facing the African people.

These comments follow SADC's failure to take a position on Zimbabwe's disputed August elections, which were criticized as fraudulent by both SADC and international election observer missions. Julius Malema is not the sole opposition leader in SADC countries to critique the regional body for neglecting its duties while Mnangagwa continues to suppress his opponents and the Zimbabwean populace. Similarly, last month, Namibian opposition leader Bernadus Swartbooi rebuked SADC for embracing Mnangagwa despite its observer mission flagging electoral irregularities by the Zimbabwean incumbent.