Malema rules out alliances with DA and FF+ ahead of local polls

According to The Citizen, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has ruled out any future alliances with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), saying such partnerships would betray the party’s progressive agenda.

Firm rejection of DA and FF+

Speaking to delegates of the Botswana National Front (BNF), Malema said the EFF “will never align with the DA, we will never align with Freedom Front Plus that killed our people, and therefore any alliance with the two is a sold-out position that seeks to undermine the progressive agenda that our people were killed for, that our people were exiled for.”

The Citizen reports Malema added a personal vow against cooperating with those parties:

“I would rather die poor than dine with the enemy. I will always ensure that the views of our people are aligned.”

Timing and political context

The Citizen notes the remarks come as the country prepares for local government elections in November, and as many analysts point to an era of coalition politics. The report also says the DA and FF+ are currently part of a government of national unity (GNU) with the African National Congress (ANC) and other parties.

On migration and regional unity

Malema spoke against xenophobic attacks in South Africa and urged broader African solidarity. He said: “Everyone who has engaged in xenophobic attacks in South Africa suffers from self-hate. Do not generalise all of us; we want African unity. We want the unity of SADC; we want to share in the land of Africa because we were collectively exploited.”

He also emphasised personal and social ties between South Africans and Batswana, telling the BNF:

“We will never hate Batswana because we are married to each other, we have kids together, and we go to the same schools.”

Visit to Botswana and travel ban lifted

The Citizen reports Malema said he was pleased to be in Botswana after being banned from the country for 13 years. The report says he had been accused of trying to ignite regime change in Botswana and that the travel restriction was lifted in 2024. Malema said:

“It’s so nice to be at home today and to be happy to enjoy the beautiful nature of Botswana. Those who banned me here in Botswana, they are watching us from TV…. look at us, now you oppressed us yesterday, today we are flourishing.”

What this means going forward

According to The Citizen, Malema’s comments close the door on formal cooperation between the EFF and the DA or FF+ while signalling the EFF’s preference for a distinct, uncompromising stance amid a landscape of increasing coalition talks ahead of the local elections.