Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eyaaz
Published on 2024-04-19 15:08:56
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), recently made headlines for his comments on the possibility of the party going into a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC) if EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu were to be appointed as finance minister. Malema defended his stance during an EFF event in Johannesburg, stating that Shivambu’s integrity and expertise in economics make him a suitable candidate for the position.
Malema emphasized that Shivambu, unlike many others in politics, has a clean record and a deep understanding of financial matters. He praised Shivambu’s intelligence and knowledge of the country’s economy, Africa, and the global financial landscape. Malema also highlighted Shivambu’s academic qualifications, stating that he is currently pursuing his third master’s degree and is set to receive it in London.
In addition to discussing political alliances and ministerial appointments, Malema also addressed the issue of load-shedding at the national power utility, Eskom. He predicted that Eskom would implement stage six load-shedding shortly after the elections on 29 May. Malema alleged that Eskom had been depleting its reserves to keep the lights on during the Rugby World Cup in 2023, leading to a potential energy crisis in the near future.
Malema has been vocal in his criticism of Eskom and the government’s handling of the electricity supply situation. He warned of an impending “darkness” due to the grid’s instability and called for urgent action to address the crisis. Despite Eskom’s recent statements claiming success in reducing load-shedding incidents, Malema remained skeptical and accused the authorities of incompetence rather than deliberate sabotage.
While Eskom reported 21 days without load-shedding and expressed its commitment to eliminating power outages, Malema asserted that the utility’s claims were misleading. He insisted that the threat of load-shedding remained imminent and criticized Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa for his alleged ineffectiveness in managing the situation.
Malema’s remarks on political cooperation, economic policy, and energy challenges reflect his ongoing commitment to addressing key issues facing South Africa. As a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape, Malema continues to advocate for radical change and accountability in government institutions. His bold and often controversial statements spark debate and draw attention to pressing issues that impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
