Julius Malema Questions Why AfriForum Leaders Haven’t Moved to the USA, South Africans Divided

• Julius Malema questioned why the AfriForum leaders have not left the country to go to the United States of America
• The Economic Freedom Fighters leader believes that the leaders of the group need to lead by example
• South Africans weighed in on Malema's comments, with many sharing funny responses to the EFF leader's jibe

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.

GAUTENG – Julius Malema has again left social media divided with his comments.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader, who is no stranger to controversy, has stirred the pot once more with his comment about the members of AfriForum.

The Red Berets Commander-in-Chief (CiC) questioned when members of the lobby group would be leaving the country to go to the United States of America.

Malema questions why AfriForum members are still in SA

Speaking at the Value-Added Tax victory march in Pretoria on Monday, 19 May, Malema questioned why AfriForum members didn’t join the 49 Afrikaners who had already left the country.

The EFF leader specifically asked why AfriForum CEO, Kallie Kriel, Ernst Roets and Gerrie Nel have not left for the US as well.

He added that most of them wouldn’t leave because they were too comfortable here, maintaining that they were peddling lies about the state of the country.

“Why is Kriel not going to America? Because he is the one who said people are being killed. Kriel must lead by example and go to America. Roets must lead by example and go to America. Gerrie Nel must lead by example and go to America.

“They can’t go because they live a good life here in South Africa, because when they go to America, they are going to become hobos with immediate effect.”

You can watch that moment below.

South Africans divided by Malema’s statement

While not everyone agreed with the CiC, many were amused by his comments.

Rerohle Lamola said:

“I'm asking myself why Trump decided to meet with Afriforum, Solidarity and the DA before meeting with the President of the Republic.”

Wandaboy Coka added:

“I don't like Malema and the EFF, but he's asking a valid question.”

Chandré Van Wyk stated:

“Malema and his simple questions. He must focus on winning more metros or something.”

Mlandisi Mhlophe said:

“My vote next year surely goes to the EFF😂.”

Ronel Diedericks asked:

“Why does Malema not go back to Zim, where he belongs?”

Tebza Ramokoka said:

“Good question, Mr Malema, my future president.”

Sharlayne Foster stated:

“Djirre, this man belongs on Comedy Central 🤣🤣.”

Mapheello Ouma added:

“Why doesn’t Malema don't go to his country, because he is the cause of why South Africa is like this.”

Bongani Mnguni stated:

“Malema, you must also go back to your country, Zimbabwe and stop making noise here as if SA is your country.”

What you need to know about Julius Malema

Julius Malema first entered the political spotlight as president of the African National Congress Youth League from 2008 to 2012. In July 2013, he announced the formation of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a leftist political party he would lead as commander-in-chief.

The EFF was officially launched in October 2013. Malema became a Member of Parliament in 2014 following the party’s entry into the National Assembly. The EFF grew in influence, securing nearly 11% of the national vote in the 2019 general election and increasing its parliamentary seats to 44, with Malema retaining his seat. In the 2024 election, the party’s support dipped slightly, receiving just under 10% of the national vote.

Malema wants to expropriate the land of 49 Afrikaners

In a related article, the EFF president jokingly called for the land of the 49 Afrikaners to be expropriated for good use.

Briefly News reported that Malema said the 49 Afrikaners were actors, adding that they returned to South Africa.

The Red Berets leader joked that the group came back immediately after the press conference that the US government held to welcome them.

Source: Briefly News