South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader, Julius Malema, has called on African nations to resist modern forms of colonial exploitation and unite in reclaiming their sovereignty.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference in Enugu, Malema warned that Africa remains shackled by new forms of domination disguised as aid, trade, and diplomacy.
“Africa is still not free. We are trapped in neo-colonial arrangements where our leaders smile with imperialists while our people suffer,” Malema declared to thunderous applause. “Colonialism never left; it simply changed its clothes. It came back as loans, as aid, as multinational corporations, and as trade agreements that do not benefit Africa.”
Call for Unity and Self-Determination
Malema stressed that the continent’s salvation lies in unity, urging African leaders and citizens to rise above borders drawn by colonial powers.
“The borders that divide us are not African; they were imposed by the colonialists to weaken us,” he said. “We must refuse to be divided by lines drawn in Berlin in 1884. An African child in Nigeria, in Ghana, in South Africa, or in Kenya must know they belong to one Africa.”
He argued that without unity, Africa will remain a supplier of raw materials to the West and Asia, while importing finished goods at high costs.
“We export gold, diamonds, and oil, yet our people are poor. This is not by accident. It is the structure of neo-colonialism — Africa is designed to remain dependent.”
Critique of Leadership and Foreign Interests
Malema was unsparing in his criticism of African leaders who, he said, “dance to the tune of foreign masters” rather than serving their people.
“Many of our leaders today are not accountable to us. They are accountable to Washington, London, Paris, and Beijing. They sign deals that sell our land, our minerals, and even our future to the highest bidder,” Malema charged. “We need leaders who fear nothing but betraying their people.”
He also took aim at foreign military presence on the continent, calling it a continuation of colonial control. “Why should there be foreign military bases in Africa? Why do we allow outsiders to occupy our land in the name of security? Africans can secure themselves.”
Call to the Youth
The EFF leader placed heavy emphasis on the role of young Africans in dismantling neo-colonialism, urging them to embrace Pan-Africanism and demand accountability.
“Young people of Africa must rise. You are not leaders of tomorrow, you are leaders of today. Do not wait to inherit rotten systems; dismantle them now,” Malema declared. “The youth must refuse the indoctrination that Africa is weak, that we cannot govern ourselves, that we must always look to the West for approval.”
Nigeria’s Symbolic Role
Referencing Nigeria’s historical role in Africa’s liberation struggles, Malema reminded the audience that the country remains a symbol of resistance and leadership.
“When South Africa was fighting apartheid, Nigeria stood with us. Nigeria sacrificed resources, men, and diplomacy for our freedom,” he noted. “Nigeria must again rise to play that role of continental leadership, because if Nigeria is weak, Africa is weak.”
Closing his speech, Malema envisioned a self-reliant Africa that dictates its own destiny.
“This century must be an African century. But it will not happen if we remain beggars, if we remain divided, if we remain slaves to debt and to foreign powers. It will only happen if we unite, industrialise, and reclaim our wealth for our own people,” he said.
“Africa must never be apologetic about seeking justice and equality. The time has come for us to stop surviving and start living. The time has come for Africa to rise.”
