Political analyst discusses Malema’ ‘shift’ on Zimbabwean employment in SA

POLICY CHANGE’

- PULE MAKGALE AND HOPE NTANZI

A POLITICAL analyst says Julius Malema’s call for Zimbabweans in South Africa to seek employment in their home country signals a policy shift to align the EFF with the aspirations and interests of the majority of South Africans.

Addressing supporters at an EFF rally in Seshego, Limpopo, over the weekend, Malema stressed that South Africans must be prioritised for job opportunities, particularly within local municipalities.

Malema emphasised that while Zimbabweans are welcome in South Africa, it is unjust for locals to be sidelined in their communities.

When we say we want jobs where we pay for services, we are not saying we don’t want Zimbabweans. We are saying we should be given first preference before everyone else to get jobs,’ Malema said.

“We don't disagree that Zimbabweans should be given jobs, but they should be given jobs in their municipalities in Harare and other areas, so we have opportunities to get jobs in our municipalities.”

Malema’s remarks come amid ongoing controversy in the Polokwane Municipality, where Mayor John Mpe has been accused of awarding tenders to foreign-owned companies, including one allegedly linked to a Zimbabwean partner of municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni.

Mpe denied the allegations and defended the municipality's procurement processes, stating that there is nothing unlawful about awarding tenders to foreign-owned companies if they comply with the law.