POLOKWANE – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has spoken out against the appointment of a Zimbabwean national, Kennedy Chihota, as Director of Water and Sanitation at the Polokwane Municipality. While Malema emphasised that he holds no ill will toward foreign nationals, he stressed that South Africans must be prioritised in employment, especially amid the country’s persistent unemployment crisis.
Malema’s comments were made during the Siyabonga Rally in Seshego, Polokwane, on 16 August 2025. Addressing supporters, he drew attention to South Africa’s staggering unemployment rate, which currently sits at over 32%, stating that municipal and government jobs must first benefit citizens before considering international candidates.
“We are not saying Zimbabweans should not be given jobs, but they must get jobs from their own municipalities in Harare,” Julius Malema told the crowd.
Julius Malema: Jobs Must Serve South Africans First
Malema’s remarks reflect growing frustration among unemployed South Africans, many of whom feel sidelined in the labour market. He said that although the EFF is committed to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, this principle should not come at the expense of the local population’s well-being.
“There is nothing wrong with our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters,” Malema clarified. “But when it comes to public employment funded by South African taxpayers, South Africans must come first.”
The EFF leader noted that the employment of foreign nationals in key government positions could breed resentment and social division, especially in economically stressed communities like those in Limpopo Province.
Kennedy Chihota, a Zimbabwean engineer and water systems expert, was recently appointed Director of Water and Sanitation at Polokwane Municipality. His qualifications and experience have not been disputed, but his nationality has ignited political and public backlash.
Civil society groups and some opposition parties have questioned whether due process was followed and whether local candidates were adequately considered for the position. In a province where service delivery challenges—especially around water access—are already under intense scrutiny, the appointment has further polarised debate.
As the leader of a party that has long advocated for the removal of artificial borders across Africa, Julius Malema’s statements may seem contradictory. However, he explained that the EFF’s vision for a borderless continent does not mean ignoring the pressing realities that face South Africans today.
“We love Africans from everywhere,” said Malema. “But charity begins at home. When there are no jobs here, we cannot go hiring from elsewhere. Our own children are sitting at home with degrees and no work.”
Malema insisted that prioritising South African citizens in the public sector does not undermine Pan-African unity—it simply ensures that economic justice starts within.
During the rally, EFF supporters cheered as Julius Malema spoke about economic inequality, youth unemployment, and the failures of municipalities to deliver basic services. His message struck a chord in Seshego, a region plagued by infrastructure issues and poor governance.
Malema promised that the EFF would continue to expose what he called “negligence and mismanagement” at municipal level and would push for local hiring policies that favour citizens without violating international protocols.
Malema’s comments have sparked mixed reactions. Some praised him for taking a bold stand in favour of South African workers, while others accused him of using populist rhetoric in the run-up to the 2026 municipal elections.
Political analysts say Julius Malema is walking a fine line—balancing his Pan-African ideals with rising nationalist sentiment among economically marginalised communities. With elections approaching, such issues are expected to dominate political debates.
The controversy has reignited calls for clearer policies on the employment of foreign nationals in public positions. Labour unions and political parties have urged the Department of Labour and municipal governments to review hiring practices and ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, the EFF continues to position itself as a voice for the unemployed and underrepresented. Julius Malema vowed that his party will introduce legislation to mandate public institutions to prioritise South African citizens when hiring for state-funded roles.
“We are not against anyone. We are against the system that forgets its own people,” Malema concluded.
As the debate over local hiring intensifies, Julius Malema has again demonstrated his ability to capture public attention and shift the national conversation. Whether seen as pragmatic or politically strategic, his stance on the Chihota appointment underscores the complexity of balancing economic justice with broader continental solidarity.
Source- Fakaza
