Julius Malema Calls for Urgent Land Redistribution at Land Reclamation Day Rally

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema delivered a fiery address at the Land Reclamation Day Rally on Sunday, calling on the government to speed up land redistribution and warning that South Africans are "running out of patience" with the slow pace of reform.

The rally, held in Johannesburg, drew thousands of passionate supporters clad in the party’s signature red berets, chanting slogans in support of land expropriation without compensation—a core tenet of the EFF’s platform.

Malema used the stage to renew calls for constitutional amendments that would empower the state to seize land from private owners and redistribute it to historically dispossessed communities. "Land is not just about economics, it is about dignity, identity, and justice," he declared to thunderous applause.

He lambasted the ANC-led government for what he described as a failure to fulfill its promises on land reform in the post-apartheid era. "We cannot continue to be visitors in our own country. Our people are still living in shacks while a few own vast tracts of land," Malema said.

Beyond land, Malema addressed issues of youth unemployment, growing economic inequality, and the upcoming 2026 national elections, positioning the EFF as the only political force capable of delivering radical change.

Despite tight security, the rally remained peaceful, with EFF marshals ensuring order among the crowd. Social media lit up with clips of Malema’s speech, some praising him as “the voice of the people,” while others raised concerns about the tone and potential implications of his land reform proposals.

Since 1994, fewer than 10% of South Africa’s commercial farms have been transferred to Black ownership—a statistic that continues to fuel public frustration.

As the 2026 elections draw nearer, the EFF is expected to ramp up its land campaign, framing it not just as a political issue but a moral and historical imperative.