Julius Malema has slammed the lack of diversity in the crowd that gathered to welcome Bafana Bafana upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, February 14.
The team returned from the Afcon tournament held in Ivory Coast and won third place and a bronze medal.
The EFF president was praised for showing support and motivation to the national football team.
Also read: Teboho Mokoena resigns over Malema comments?puma reacts
Malema upset by Bafana Bafana support
In videos and photos posted on social media, Malema joined thousands of EFF supporters in welcoming Bafana Bafana home.
A tweet from the party's official X account read: The EFF will always support the South African football team and stand together in solidarity. ”
Also read: Another fighter? Grant Kekana praises 'family' Malema [watch]
Apart from political parties, there were few other soccer fans to be seen in the crowd.
Speaking to the media, Malema blamed South Africans for the no-show.
“You rarely see two white people and it's something we shouldn't talk about because it divides us. But when it's a white man's sport, we're all there. That sport. Including people who don't know anything about it.”
ALSO READ: EFF Rally? Red berets take over OR Tambo and welcome Bafana Bafana [watch]
She added, “It's such a shame. But we still have to continue to love ourselves. We can't depend on the love of others to love ourselves.”
Karl Niehaus: “Very disappointing”
Fellow EFF member Karl Niehaus echoed his sentiments, scolding South Africans for the lack of support.
Niehaus, who abandoned the ANC for the Red Berets, tweeted:
Also read: Malema on deck! EFF CIC hosts epic afterparty [watch]
“When the Springbok rugby team performed well and won the Rugby World Cup, black South Africans embraced them warmly and thousands gathered to celebrate the Springbok victory. Our National Football Team #BafanaNow that Bafana have achieved great results and won a bronze medal at AFCON, white South Africans are clearly lacking in celebrating their successes and embracing our nation.”
