Malema in trouble? Juju reported to Parliament for ‘encouraging illegal acts’

There’s a barnstorming political showdown brewing between Julius Malema and Herman Mashaba. The latter has reported the former to Parliament, issuing a formal complaint after Juju encouraged illegal immigrants to sneak into South Africa.

What did Julius Malema say about illegal immigration?

During his media briefing last week, Malema unapologetically called for citizens in neigbouring countries – and the SADC region – to find ‘creative ways’ past border security, arguing that the national crossings are ‘meaningless’:

“So let the borders be open and if the gates are not going to be open for SADC, fellow SADC people please find a creative way, this is your home, your families are here. There is no way anyone is going to close you out here.”

“Lesotho and Free State are one thing, Mpumalanga and Swazi land are one thing, North West and Botswana are one thing, Limpopo and Zimbabwe are one thing. What is the point, there is no point at all…”

Herman Mashaba files complaint against Julius Malema

Herman Mashaba – famous for his hardline stance on illegal immigration during his time as Johannesburg Mayor – didn’t take too kindly to this suggestion. He has lobbied Speaker Thandi Modise to take action against Julius Malema. The Action SA leader says that his EFF counterpart is now acting ‘like a Constitutional delinquent’.

“I have written to the Speaker of Parliament to lay a formal complaint for these remarks. I don’t care who you are, no MP has the right to openly advocate for our laws to be broken. Principles like the rule of law are not instruments to be used when politically convenient. Countries have borders, at which they determine who may and who may not enter.”

“When one considers that this public call for illegal immigration comes at a time of a global pandemic, where a second wave of infections has overwhelmed our hospitals, his remarks warrant the strongest actions of parliament. Malema enjoyed branding Jacob Zuma a Constitutional delinquent – and yet now acts in a manner which warrants this title himself.”

Herman Mashaba

The breakdown of the Rule of Law in South Africa is a problem that has touched every life, and it is only getting worse.

Principles like the rule of law are not instruments to be used when politically convenient.

— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) January 18, 2021

EFF ‘tag-team’ Herman Mashaba

Mashaba also branded EFF Deputy Leader Floyd Shivambu a ‘bully’ online, after Malema’s right-hand man threatened to make life ‘very difficult’ for Action SA. A heavyweight clash between two firebrands has now turned into a Royal Rumble…

“Don’t adopt this kind of liberal right-wing politics Herman Mashaba. Your political life will be very difficult and your party lifespan short-lived if you adopt the ultra-right, self-hating politics.”

“Stay away from the EFF, many who tried are nowhere to be seen now. This is your first warning! It’s actually so shocking how toddler politicians whose claim to fane are EFF policies of insourcing and many others have now grown liberal horns. You won’t win against the EFF. Choose your battles wisely!”

Floyd Shivambu