A Rallying Cry in Limpopo

At the Siyabonga rally in Seshego, Polokwane, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema pulled no punches when addressing the government’s much-hyped National Dialogue. His message was blunt: ordinary South Africans don’t need another political talk shop, they need working taps, functioning clinics, and safe streets.

Malema described the event, which kicked off on Friday at UNISA in Pretoria, as an “elite gathering” that achieved little more than stroking egos. “It was disorganised… it did not serve any purpose,” he told supporters. “We cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don’t have. Our people need services. They are tired of talking.”

♦️Must Watch♦️

President @Julius_S_Malema engaging with members of the media at the #EFFSiyabongaRally in Seshego, Ward 13.

We don’t support the National Dialogue, we know the demands of our people, we cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don’t have, our people need… pic.twitter.com/J0uMATWeVs

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 16, 2025

A Dialogue Already on Shaky Ground

Even before it began, the National Dialogue had already lost some of its shine. Former president Thabo Mbeki, several legacy foundations, and partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) pulled out, citing concerns about poor planning and unrealistic timelines. Civil society groups also complained that the process felt rushed and unrepresentative.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) went further, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of using the platform as political theatre ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The opening session itself descended into drama when individuals not listed as speakers attempted to seize the microphone before President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address.

Malema’s Framing: Waste vs. Need

For Malema, the issue cuts deeper than messy organisation. He framed the dialogue as a symbol of misplaced priorities—government elites talking amongst themselves while millions of citizens go without reliable electricity, clean water, or dignified housing.

His critique struck a chord with supporters at the Seshego rally, many of whom experience these service delivery failures daily. In communities across Limpopo and beyond, frustration over potholes, sewage spills, and load shedding has become part of everyday conversation.

A Familiar Political Divide

Malema’s rejection of the dialogue fits neatly into the EFF’s broader political strategy: positioning itself as the voice of the poor and working-class majority. For his critics, however, the fiery rhetoric glosses over the complexity of building consensus in a fractured political climate.

Still, the EFF leader’s remarks tap into a very real fatigue felt across South Africa. After years of commissions, summits, and “dialogues,” many citizens share his view that talk is cheap when the basics remain out of reach.

Where to From Here?

The National Dialogue will continue without the buy-in of several key political players, but its credibility has been badly dented. For the government, the challenge now is not just to facilitate discussions, but to prove that these talks can lead to tangible results.

Until then, Malema’s words will likely echo in many communities: “Our people don’t want more talks, they want services.”

{Source: The Citizen}

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