Malema: actions and words

EFF leader Julius Malema lied when he said former president Jacob Zuma never banned them in parliament. Many in SA are still shocked and disturbed by comments Malema made after parliament suspended six EFF MPS for this month of February for their conduct during the 2023 Sona.

During Zuma’s tenure they were beaten up and removed forcefully from parliament — despite the fact that the court agreed with them that indeed Zuma had failed to protect, promote and uphold the constitution, the rule of law and the chapter 9 institution of the Public Protector, and that he benefited unlawfully from his security upgrades at Nkandla. It seems now the EFF has forgotten about that. Malema also vilified the judiciary after the courts did not agree with him when he wanted to attend the Sona last week.

But, since he referred to the undemocratic methods of parliament, it seems Malema and his EFF MPS do not understand how democracy works, because those three arms of government – the courts, the executive (cabinet ministers and MECS) and the legislature (parliament and NCOP) – are independent of one other.

Parliament regulates and make rules for its own functions, and no other arm of government should interfere with that unless there is a need.

It is not for the judicial arm of government to tell parliament how to discipline its members.

So Malema, although claiming to be pro-democracy, opposes it when it comes to implementation.

He behaves as if MPS are gods, even while accusing the judiciary of descending to the level of politicians.

— Thando Witbooi, ANC Mdidiyeli Jiba branch, BCM