EFF leader Julius Malema says giving land to black people should be seen as restoring their dignity and giving them hope. Malema also told residents of Kutzon, West Rand, that the EFF government would put an end to the exploitation of poor communities by mining companies, with many companies breaking their promises to the communities they mine. Told.
Mr Malema was speaking during a party campaign in Kutsong, Carletonville, west Johannesburg.
Gauteng's Westland is vast and flat, dotted with mineshafts, pale yellow sand dunes and golden mining dumps. But Carletonville's Kutzon lacks the luster of the precious metals that gave birth to the metropolis that became Johannesburg.
Residents of the area say they have been forgotten by the Democratic government, saying their lives are plagued by crime, high unemployment, drug abuse and non-existent service provision.
“There is no improvement. There is a lack of infrastructure. We have no future moving forward. The only thing we will face is young people who use drugs and alcohol.” says one resident.
“We want electricity. We have water problems and we are suffering from violence where people are killing each other,” says another resident.
Malema gave them hope and visited the area during his campaign. He is campaigning for support in Gauteng ahead of the May 29 election.
As he interacted with residents, he lamented the poor conditions in the area and criticized the region's mines for reneging on promises to uplift the community with schools, clinics and jobs while securing mining permits. did.
He said that under an EFF government, mining companies would keep their promises.
“They took away your minerals. These are minerals that are supposed to give you a better life. You should know that when you see someone with gold because those minerals are supposed to uplift society.” says Malema.
Malema promised that the EFF would provide 24/7 health clinics, free education and uniforms for academics, employment for at least one family member, and improvements to the police force.
He says it's shocking that 30 years after democracy, black people still don't own land, but his party is determined to change that.
“We are going to get the land while we are alive. We are not going to get the land when we die. This land is ours. Those who came to South Africa with land There was no one here. This is our land. We're going to die fighting for this land.” he says.
Malema called on residents to come out in droves at the end of this month and change their lives.
“Real freedom will come on May 29th. Economic freedom will come on May 29th. The red flag of the EFF will fly over the union buildings as we celebrate that the revolution has taken over. . Amandla!