Julius Malema Slams National Dialogue, SA Divided As EFF Leader Says Citizens Need Services Instead

• Julius Malema shared his thoughts on the National Dialogue and why he doesn't think it's a good idea
• The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader believes that the people don't need talk, but services
• South Africans weighed in on Malema's comments, sharing mixed reactions to the EFF leader's statements

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

Julius Malema has criticised the National Dialogue, saying that it’s a waste of money which the government does not have.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader made the comments on 16 August 2025 in Limpopo, while the second day of the National Convention was taking place in Pretoria.

The convention kicked off on Friday, 15 August, without the presence of many key foundations and political parties, including the EFF.

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What did Malema say about the dialogue?

Speaking about the event, Malema said that the government was using money it did not have, yet people did not have services.

“We don’t support this convention. We don’t support the National Dialogue. We know the demands of our people. We cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don’t have. Our people need services; they don't want the talks, they are tired of talking,” he said.

Malema also stated that the event was disorganised and didn’t really serve any purpose. He added that if anything, it was meant to save the egos of certain people.

What do you need to know about the National Dialogue?

• The Democratic Alliance opted to withdraw from the upcoming National dialogue, saying it was a waste of time.
• Tokyo Sexwale raised concerns about the National Dialogue, saying it mustn’t be seen as a silver lining to all problems.
• Former president Thabo Mbeki lambasted the DA leadership for withdrawing from the National Dialogue.
• Dr Malusi Gigaba called for a postponement of the National Dialogue, dividing many in the process.
• The uMkhonto weSizwe Party confirmed that Jacob Zuma was not invited to the convention, but wouldn’t have gone.

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South Africans divided by Malema’s comments

Social media users weighed in on Malema’s comments, with many agreeing with him, while others had differing opinions.

Lefiso Khutjo Mokonyane said:

“Viva Juju, the President.”

Mahlogonolo Kolobe Bonoko stated:

“People don't need to talk. They need to be served. They are hungry now.”

Thomas Mthoba said:

“The DA has one reason for opposing. The EFF has different reasons. The so-called legacy foundations have different reasons compared to the EFF and DA, and Zuma's family business has different views from all of them. So does AfriForum and Solidarity. This further confirms the urgent need for a National Dialogue to try and understand each other and meet halfway.”

Buhle Radebe stated:

“For once, I sadly agree with him.”

Nyumani Mhinga added:

“Indeed, all we require is basic services.”

Tsietsi Mohapi claimed:

“That Juju is campaigning for the coming elections.”

Raymond Malan said:

“Every South African citizen needs and deserves services.”

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Michael Mathe exclaimed:

“Says a politician enjoying Parliamentary packages. One who never disputed Parliamentarians getting salary increases.”

Dimitri Karnavos noted:

“Once in a while, when it suits Malema, then he says the correct thing.”

Gwede Mantashe weighs in on Thabo Mbeki’s absence

Briefly News reported that Gwede Mantashe weighed in on Thabo Mbeki's absence from the National Convention of the National Dialogue.

The former president declined an invitation to the event on 15 August 2025, and his foundation pulled out of it as well.

South Africans weighed in on the minister's statement, sharing mixed reactions to Mbeki's absence from the event.

Source: Briefly News