In quotes: Julius Malema on land, corruption and media freedom'

Julius Malema, firebrand leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), offered insight into his party's expectations during an interview on the television show, African Perspective, on Wednesday evening.

South Africa's sixth general election is fast approaching. By all accounts, 8 May will likely prove to be the closest of political competitions in the country's history, as citizens, most of whom are disillusioned and disenfranchised, make their indelible mark on the nation's future.

The importance of this civic duty - enshrined within the very foundation of democracy - cannot be understated. This significance isn't lost on politicians, either, as demonstrated by the wave of determined political campaigning, which, as the time draws ever-nearer, seeks to saturate all forms of media.

Discussion still underway now on SABC 404 pic.twitter.com/yEfsHSNQzI

Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 1, 2019 Malema, who has, admittedly, been embroiled in a protracted battle with the nation's media, is seeking to make amends but only on his own unapologetic terms. On Wednesday evening, the EFF's Commander in Chief sat down with TV host, Tsepiso Makwetla, to reiterate the party's fundamentals and expunge foreboding mistruths.

Land expropriation without compensation Naturally, Malema focused on the contentious issue of land reform in South Africa. Since its inception, the EFF has consistently called for the expropriation of land without compensation as a matter of socioeconomic redress. This demand includes amendments to the South African Constitution. During his interview with Makwetla, remained resolute on the issue, saying:

We want the land. The liberation of the continent will come from the expropriation of land without compensation through democratic processes.

One currency, one president: The United States of Africa' Using accelerated land reform as an ideological catalyst, Malema reiterated the call for a borderless continent; the United States of Africa'. Malema explained that unity amongst Africans would secure socioeconomic sustainability and mitigate pressure emanating from external forces; namely the US and China. Malema said:

It is our generation that must fight for a borderless Africa, with one President, one currency and one Parliament and all the states be held accountable in the United States of Africa. A united Africa is a threat to imperialism and they will never agree to it.

We only need ourselves. The African leaders must begin having these conversations of a united Africa. We must have a bigger vision because a united Africa is a threat to China, a threat to the West. Let us not be subjects of imperialism, let us be equal partners.

Julius Malema on corruption Despite being accused of corruptive dealings on more than one occasion, Malema rebuked the prevalence of political impunity within Africa. Malema admitted that malfeasance was an especially regressive force on the continent, adding:

It's a general phenomenon in the continent where leaders steal from the people. If we get rid of corruption, we will be able to deliver services to our people and have caring governments across the continent.

Free and fearless media Malema's own media paradox, exemplified by scathing attacks on journalists and publishers, took centre stage during his interview with Makwetla. While his outbursts have been condemned by both local and international organisations, Malema's philosophy on the media's role in South African society remains confounded. Malema explained:

The EFF Policy on the Media is that it must self-regulate. The EFF is for media freedom, the EFF wants the media to fight fake news and to report fairly without fear.

Julius Malema also took jabs at western media', saying:

The western media will never cover us properly because anyone that challenges the West will be covered as a beast.

Tags: 2019 South African ElectionsEconomic Freedom Fighters (EFF)Julius MalemaPoliticsSouth Africa

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