In a stirring address at the Sharpeville Massacre Commemoration held at Dlomo Dam in the Vaal region, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema challenged the conventional narrative surrounding the tragic events of 21 March 1960. He described the police killings, which left at least 69 people dead and over 180 wounded, not as a ‘massacre’ but as a poignant ‘declaration of war’ against the apartheid regime by the oppressed black majority.
Malema’s impassioned remarks came as South Africa marked a day of remembrance, honouring those who bravely stood against the oppressive Pass Laws that sought to restrict their movement and curtail their freedom. “Our people stood courageously against injustice, demanding an end to the pass laws that restricted their movement in their own land,” he stated. “But instead of being met with dialogue, they were met with bullets. Sharpeville was not just a massacre. It was a declaration of war by the apartheid regime against the black majority. It was a moment that exposed the true brutality of white minority rule to the entire world.”
Malema’s comments on Sharpeville resonated with calls for equality, aligning with the broader vision of Nelson Mandela, whose dream committed to the ideals of equality for all South Africans. The EFF leader asserted that, in many respects, the fight for human rights in South Africa is far from over. He articulated a sentiment that, despite the passage of decades since apartheid’s downfall, equality remains elusive for many.
In an unexpected pivot during the commemoration, Malema addressed recent diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States. He highlighted the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rassool, after Rassool shared critical views about President Donald Trump. Malema painted a dim picture of the relationship with Washington, asserting, “The USA is not interested in diplomacy. The USA is interested in dominance over us by any means necessary and we must stand up for ourselves.”
He urged South Africans to remain vigilant and assertive in the face of foreign influence, underscoring that the mission for land restitution remains paramount. “Whether Donald Trump likes it or not, we are going to fight for the return of the land,” Malema declared, amplifying the EFF’s commitment to land reform and equity in South Africa.