‘We are not like Mandela’: Malema rejects ANC’s government of national unity proposal
On Thursday night, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa invited parties represented in Parliament to join the ANC to co-govern the country, an event the EFF leader was quick to dismiss.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema during a media briefing at the National Results Operation Centre in Midrand on 1 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress’ (ANC) proposal for a government of national unity is already being rejected by some political parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
On Thursday night, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa invited parties represented in Parliament to join the ANC to co-govern the country.
The ANC, which has been in government for 30 years, failed to maintain its parliamentary majority at the 2024 general elections.
But EFF leader Julius Malema was quick to announce on his social media platforms that the EFF would not form part of the ANC’s government of national unity.
In a series of posts on X, Malema said his political party “will not share power with the enemy”.
We can't share power with the enemy. ✊🏿
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) June 6, 2024
The arrogance continues even after the South African voters issued warning signs. You can't dictate the way forward as if you have won elections. We are not desperate for anything, ours is a generational mission.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) June 6, 2024
This is not the first time the EFF leader expressed his disapproval and rejection of a government of national unity.
Speaking to journalists at the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) national results operations centre last week, Malema expressed his disapproval.
“There was a story of national unity. We are not like Mandela. We don't do government of national unity; we don't want it. We want a coalition government, not a government of national unity. We will end [up] with [the] wrong people.”
Malema also said the EFF was not desperate to be in government.