JOHANNESBURG – EFF leader Julius Malema has accused former President Jacob Zuma of “abusing black unity” during the party’s third National People’s Assembly at Nasrec, addressing recent high-profile defections to Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party and broader political challenges.

Several top EFF officials, including former Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and ex-chairperson Dali Mpofu, have recently joined Zuma’s MK Party, prompting Malema’s sharp criticism of the former president’s leadership record.

Malema questioned Zuma’s commitment to black consciousness, pointing to the 2012 Marikana massacre that occurred during his presidency. “Where was this black consciousness and black unity when the Marikana workers were killed?” Malema asked delegates, referencing the incident where police killed striking mineworkers.

The EFF leader also criticized Zuma’s handling of student protests during his presidency. “Did the need for black unity not exist when the youth of this country were jailed and killed for demanding free education under the new messiah of black unity?” he said.

During the conference, themed “defending, rebuilding and advancing the struggle for economic freedom,” Malema expanded his address to include international issues, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He called for Israel’s complete isolation from international sporting events, including World Cups and Olympics, citing the ongoing military operations in Gaza following Hamas attacks on Israel.

“The 2nd NPA mandates us to continue to call for an end to the occupation of Palestine by apartheid Israel,” Malema stated, urging South Africa to support complete isolation measures against Israel.

The conference continues at Nasrec, Johannesburg, where the party is expected to address both domestic political challenges and its international policy positions.