EFF leader Julius Malema has been accused of awakening a demon of hatred among South Africans at the party’s 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday, 29 July, at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said that Malema was inciting violence and called for people to stop him in his tracks.
Steenhuisen said that the EFF leader resurrected division and ethnic violence in Mzansi in front of 100 000 people.
He said that Malema was determined to ignite the civil war the country avoided in 1994.
“From that stage in Soweto, Malema told thousands of followers that they must 'shoot to kill'. He instructed them to 'kill the Boer, kill the farmer'.”
“Then he mimicked the sound of machine gun fire to members of his political cult, who answered with thunderous approval,” said Steenhuisen.
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He said that for far too long, people in government, the media, civil society and constitutional institutions refused to acknowledge that Malema was a bloodthirsty tyrant and demagogue.
The DA leader said these people helped to normalise Malema’s hatred and racism.
Meanwhile, the EFF has thanked all those who made their way to FNB Stadium and has assured them that they are part of history and the future of this country.
EFF spokesman Sinawo Tambo said it held the first significant political gathering at FNB Stadium since the funeral of Chris Hani, one of the greatest Communists to ever live in Africa and the president that South Africa was denied.
“We thank all leaders and public representatives who brought their constituencies to the stadium and ensured the safe transportation of all those who were brought from different provinces,” said Tambo.
He said that they are aware of the unfortunate death of an attendee at the 10th anniversary rally who reportedly fell to his death from one of the stands.
“The leadership of the EFF will visit the family of the deceased and take care of all funeral arrangements in honour of his life, as someone who formed part of the historic celebration of our movement,” added Tambo.
