GDW Media
On June 16, 2025, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema delivered a fiery speech at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, during the party’s National Youth Day Rally. Addressing a vibrant crowd, Malema tackled pressing issues like education, land reform, and African unity, while taking aim at global and local leaders.
His speech, part of the EFF’s push to strengthen support in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the 2026 local elections, resonated with South Africa’s youth and sparked widespread discussion. Here are the top five takeaways from his address, offering insight into his vision for the country and continent.
1. Decolonized Education as a Priority
Malema emphasized the need for a “decolonized” education system, urging young South Africans to “pick up the spear” and fight for quality, accessible education. He criticized the current system, drawing parallels to the 1976 Soweto Uprising, and called for free meals in schools, the abolition of pit toilets, and free Wi-Fi in public facilities like schools and clinics. “We want free education, quality education, decolonized education,” Malema declared, invoking the legacy of Steve Biko’s black consciousness movement to inspire today’s youth. This focus on education reform aligns with the EFF’s broader agenda to empower marginalized communities through systemic change.
2. Land Redistribution for Peace and Justice
Reiterating the EFF’s stance on land reform, Malema denied accusations of promoting “white genocide” while firmly advocating for land expropriation without compensation. He addressed recent controversies, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims about farm murders, asserting, “No one wants to kill white people.
We are saying to white people, let us live together in peace, but we cannot live in peace unless you return what you stole from us.” Malema framed land redistribution as a condition for harmony, emphasizing that economic justice is central to resolving South Africa’s racial and historical inequalities.
3. Critique of Foreign Interference
Malema took a bold stance against foreign influence, particularly from the U.S., criticizing Trump and Elon Musk for meddling in South African affairs. Referencing a White House meeting where Trump played a video of Malema chanting “Kill the Boer,” he retorted, “Comrades, we must not allow the US to dictate to us what needs to happen in South Africa.” He defended the chant as a heritage of the anti-apartheid struggle, not a call to violence, and accused foreign leaders of misrepresenting his message to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty. This defiance underscores his anti-imperialist rhetoric, a hallmark of EFF ideology.
4. Call for African Unity and Self-Reliance
Looking beyond South Africa, Malema advocated for a united Africa with a shared army, currency, and parliament to protect the continent’s interests. He drew parallels between South Africa’s historical struggles and the Palestinian fight for land, expressing solidarity: “The 1976 youth were killed because they refused to let others take over their land. Similarly, Palestinian children are fighting.” This pan-African vision aims to galvanize youth support by framing local issues within a broader continental context, reinforcing the EFF’s radical, global outlook.
5. Push for Affordable Data and Economic Access
Malema criticized South Africa’s telecommunications industry, calling data prices “too expensive” and questioning the logic of expiring data. “Data must fall! Data is information. You use data to look for jobs, and when it is expensive, you don’t have access to those opportunities,” he stated. By linking affordable data to economic empowerment, Malema connected with young South Africans facing unemployment (33% nationally, per recent statistics) and limited access to digital resources, positioning the EFF as a champion of practical solutions for the youth.
Why This Speech Matters
Malema’s 2025 Youth Day Rally speech was a strategic blend of inspiration and provocation, aimed at mobilizing South Africa’s youth while reinforcing the EFF’s radical platform. His focus on education, land reform, and African unity resonates with disenfranchised communities, while his critiques of foreign interference and corporate greed amplify his populist appeal. However, his rhetoric, including references to controversial chants like “Kill the Boer,” continues to spark debate, as seen in recent posts on X expressing both support and condemnation of his language.
As the EFF gears up for the 2026 elections, Malema’s ability to channel youth frustration into political momentum will be critical. The speech’s emphasis on actionable policies like free education and affordable data, alongside bold calls for systemic change, underscores his enduring influence in South African politics.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on Malema’s vision for South Africa’s youth? Share your views in the comments or join the discussion on social media with #EFFYouthDay2025. Stay informed by following credible sources for updates on South Africa’s political landscape.
