Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says their open border policy did not cost them votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections on 29 May.
Malema said this during a briefing at the results centre in Midrand. The Red Berets are no longer the third-biggest political party in the country, as support for his party declined to 9%.
JULIUS MALEMA SAYS OPEN BORDER POLICY DIDN’T COST THE EFF VOTES
South Africa is especially grappling with an exodus of immigrants from countries in the SADC region.
South Africans have called for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Some are pinning the ever-increasing rate of crime, especially murder, rape, and kidnapping, on immigrants.
Notably, the Department of Home Affairs is trying to tighten its asylum seekers and refugees laws.
During campaigns ahead of the polls, political parties urged voters to vote for them into power so that they could deal with illegal immigrants.
During the briefing, Malema said it is not true that the party’s stance on open borders cost them votes. He insisted that the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caused the EFF’s support to decline.
Malema said they are unwilling to compromise a principle to please non-existent voters.
“Our voters understand our message very well. Our open border policy is that we want Africa to be one, but you cannot do that before you develop the other economies of Africa,” Malema said.
“These people don’t want to come here for the sake of coming here. They want jobs and greener pastures. We’re a big country, and we’ve got a huge capacity. So, we can develop their countries and develop out of that hugely,” he added.