'I have never said let's drive white people into the sea' - Julius Malema

Lester Kiewit speaks to Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

The EFF was formed in 2013 and has a ‘progressive internationalist outlook,’ which seeks to ‘engage global progressive movements.’

In the 2019 elections, it won 44 seats in parliament with just under 1.9 million votes.

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Some of the priorities of the party include the expropriation of land without compensation and the nationalisation of strategic sectors of the economy.

Malema says that he believes he has what it takes to hold the office of the president.

Since the formation of the party, he says they have done well in gathering support, and they are the only party that is steadily growing.

“That is scientific proof that the EFF is convincing a lot of people to follow its manifesto.”

- Julius Malema, EFF leader

While they are the third most popular party in the country, he notes that the EFF has not made inroads with the white population.

Malema says the reason for this is due to the white population’s privileged position, adding that they are reluctant to share what they have.

“They are so used to the size of the cake, and now they are told they need to share it with other people. But they understand the message.”

- Julius Malema, EFF leader

He adds that those who feel the EFF is hateful towards white people are those who are racist and uncomfortable with equality, which is what the party advocates for.

"I have never said let's drive white people to the sea. I have always said let there be equality."

- Julius Malema, EFF leader

“Only white supremacists will not accept the equality of our people… there is nothing anti-white about the EFF.” 

- Julius Malema, EFF leader

Malema says that economic growth and investment will be threatened by the lack of black land ownership and that land must be redistributed to solve this.

With regards to the nationalisation of banks, construction companies, and mines, he says this will not include abolishing private companies.

“The state must have its own internal capacity to do its own things.” 

- Julius Malema, EFF leader

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.