EFF leader Julius Malema struck a defiant tone outside court this week after his pre-sentencing proceedings were postponed, with final heads of argument expected to be heard on April 15.
Malema was found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failing to take reasonable precautions to protect people or property, and reckless endangerment of persons and property.
During Friday’s proceedings, the defence argued that a harsh sentence would have a serious impact on the wellbeing of Malema’s children and would hinder his ability to carry out his political responsibilities as leader of the EFF.
Addressing supporters gathered outside the court, Malema thanked those who travelled from across the country to show solidarity. He moved between confrontation and reassurance, at times sounding like a warning to opponents, and at others like a father figure urging discipline, love and unity.
Malema said he was a target of white supremacy, saying the EFF unsettles those who fear black leadership.
“When the EFF speaks, every black person wants to hear it,” he said. “That’s what white people are scared of… They are scared of a black authority.”
He said that the case against him was meant to make an example of him and discourage others from challenging the status quo.
“I’ve been an example for the rest of my life… I will never retreat. I will never surrender to white supremacy.”
“They must pray that the EFF must never be a government in South Africa, because the day the EFF becomes a government in South Africa, we are going to lock up all AfriForum members… because they are terrorists.”
Malema also used the court appearance to restate the EFF’s core political message, returning to land expropriation and state control of strategic sectors.
“This is our land,” he said. “No sheep came with the land when they came from Europe.”
“We will expropriate it without compensation whether they like it or not. We will nationalise the mines. We will establish a state bank.”
Malema’s tone then shifted to something more intimate and reflective — urging supporters to go home peacefully and focus on their families.
“So let’s go comrades and look after our families,” he said.
“You will never take care of a community if you can’t take care of your family.”
He stressed that providing for family was not only financial.
“Looking after your family does not mean you must have money. Just show them love,” he said.
“Give them a hug… remind them many, many times a day how much you love them.”
Malema also shared a personal moment about receiving a message from his wife while he sat in court.
“When I’m sitting there in court, my wife sends me a message and she says, ‘You look so lonely alone in the court,’” he said.
He said although it may appear he is alone, his relative and supporters provide strength and protection.
“If you look behind me, all my aunts are behind me… All my relatives are behind me. They are a wall.”
Malema also rejected claims that the EFF hates white people, insisting the party’s enemy is racism, not individuals.
“We don’t fight white people. We fight white supremacy,” he said.
He went further, saying: “There is no white genocide in South Africa. There is black and white love in South Africa.”
“We will do everything in our power to defend those white people who love South Africa.”
However, he warned those he believes align with AfriForum that they would not be allowed to “enjoy the peace”.
Malema also veered into world politics, launching a blistering attack on former US president Donald Trump, accusing him of destabilising global order.
“Unless he does the quickest thing and drink poison, the world will never forgive Donald Trump,” Malema said.
He accused Trump of undermining international law and dismissed him as ignorant and cowardly.
“The only thing that makes people respect him is because he is white,” Malema said.
“Donald Trump is a devil that wants to destabilise the world.”
Malema urged his supporters to remain disciplined and not give opponents ammunition to portray them as reckless.
“No female must be harassed,” he said.