Malema Says South Africans Must Be First in Line for Jobs

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called for South Africans to be given first preference when it comes to employment, saying locals must be prioritised over foreign nationals, regardless of their background, connections, or ethnicity.

Malema was speaking to residents of Ward 24 in Soweto on 11 May 2025, ahead of the upcoming municipal by-election scheduled for 14 May.

“We are not saying foreign nationals must never be employed, but in a country with high unemployment, it is a contradiction to have a factory in your community that hires people from elsewhere while locals go hungry,” said Malema.

He urged councillors to demand proof of residence from job applicants to ensure that local projects benefit the communities in which they are located.

“If there’s a project in Ward 24, show us where you live before you are employed. Our people must come first,” he added.

A Shift in Tone

Malema’s comments have drawn mixed reactions from South Africans online. Many see it as a shift in tone from his previously pan-Africanist stance on immigration.

Some praised the remarks as a long-overdue recognition of South Africans’ struggles, while others accused him of flip-flopping.

“You get to a point in life where your stomach is more important than your principles,” said one commenter on Facebook.

Others joked that he changes his positions more often than they change their socks.

ANC and IFP Also Campaign in Soweto

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have also been on the campaign trail ahead of the by-elections.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addressed supporters in Soweto, calling for discipline among party members and encouraging them to emulate the orderliness of Zion Christian Church followers and Kaizer Chiefs fans.

In KwaZulu-Natal, IFP provincial chairperson Thami Ntuli took a swipe at the newly formed MK Party, claiming it was simply the ANC in different colours.

MK Party Gains Ground

The MK Party continues to gain traction. In March, it secured its first ward victory in the Western Cape during by-elections in the Saldanha Bay municipality, winning 36% of the vote.

As political parties continue to battle for influence, Malema’s employment-focused rhetoric may resonate with frustrated South Africans—but whether it will translate into votes remains to be seen.

Julius Malema’s call to prioritise jobs for South Africans highlights growing tensions around immigration, employment, and local development. With by-elections looming and unemployment still high, the EFF leader’s comments could influence the conversation—if not the ballot box.

{Source: MSN}

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