DELFT, CAPE TOWN — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has placed the fight against gender-based violence and organized crime at the forefront of the party’s Western Cape election manifesto launch in Delft, Cape Town. Addressing the rampant killing of women and the proliferation of drug dealers, Malema issued a stern warning that the EFF will declare “war” on these injustices if voters grant the party control of the metro.
During the campaign event, Malema strongly condemned the recent wave of gender-based violence, specifically highlighting the tragic killing of 10 women in a single week in Ekurhuleni. Describing the murders as a “declaration of war,” the EFF leader issued a direct plea to men to stop killing women. He emphasized the need for foundational societal change, urging parents to teach their children to embrace their sisters and love their mothers, noting that such respect would eradicate hatred toward women.
Labeling the violence against women as “barbaric,” Malema called on local communities to actively assist law enforcement in tracking down the perpetrators responsible for the killings in Kempton Park. He demanded that those found guilty face the full might of the law, advocating for a strict no-bail policy and life imprisonment, stating unequivocally that such offenders “do not belong to society.”
Shifting focus to local governance, Malema promised a severe crackdown on drug dealers and organized crime syndicates operating in Cape Town, contingent on the EFF taking control of the metropolitan municipality. He asserted that the party already possesses intelligence on where drugs are being sold and is prepared to target those responsible.
“Put us in charge in the metro and see what’s going to happen,” Malema stated, vowing to “finish off” drug lords. He claimed the EFF knows every specific house selling drugs to children in Cape Town, challenging voters to give the party the power to act on that intelligence.
The manifesto launch strategically centered its campaign message on these critical issues, framing the fight against crime, violence against women, and the drug trade as the party’s top priorities. Malema concluded by urging the electorate to give the EFF the opportunity to govern the metro and deliver on these promises.
