Julius Malema explains the EFF's opposition to the National Dialogue: 'Our people need services'

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema speaking during the Siyabonga rally held at Seshego in Polokwane, Limpopo on Saturday, criticised the National Dialogue.

Malema lambasted the dialogue using money, which the government does not have, yet people do not have services needed.

“While it was disorganised, it was just government elite that was all over the place. It really did not serve any purpose. If anything, it was saving the egos of certain people, and therefore it was a waste of money. 

“NGOs and people who participated in that preparations suggested that it must be postponed, because they are not ready only to go and embarrass themselves the way they did. 

“We don’t support this convention. We don’t support the national dialogue. We know the demands of our people. We cannot spend R700 million of the money that we don’t have. Our people need services, they don't want the talks, they are tired of talking,” said Malema.

The National Dialogue kicked off on Friday at UNISA in Pretoria, despite the withdrawal of former President Thabo Mbeki, several legacy foundations, Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, and civil society organisations.

They pulled out of the process, citing concerns over its implementation and rushed timelines.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) also withdrew, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of using the dialogue to polish its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Drama unfolded on day one after panellists were invited to the stage for the first engagement session before the president’s address. 

While panellists from the Citizen-Led National Dialogue Roadmap were called to the stage, individuals not on the list attempted to intervene, demanding to speak in front of Ramaphosa and other high-profile delegates.

IOL