Ghana’s former President Jerry Rawlings has praised Julius Malema for his recent pro-Robert Mugabe and anti-xenophobia comments.
In a series of tweets on Friday, Rawlings said the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader has “done many proud.”
Congratulations and thank you @Julius_S_Malema. Your address at the EFF Mugabe funeral and your press conference on the scourge of xenophobia were impressive and to the point.
No one could have put these issues any more reproachfully and correctly than you did. You have done many proud.
Ghana’s ex-president Jerry Rawlings
This isn’t the first time Malema has won praise for his staunch opposition to xenophobia.
Popular comedian Trevor Noah similarly applauded him earlier this month.
He posted a video of Malema speaking at a press conference on Twitter and wrote, “I don’t always agree with Julius Malema but this statement on xenophobic attacks in SA is perfect.”
Mugabe ‘a pan-Africanist’
During EFF’s memorial service for the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on 12 September, Malema heaped praise on him as a pan-Africanist.
He spoke strongly against “western imperialism” that attempted to depose Mugabe from power.
He declared that “our enemies” could not tell Africans how to remember Mugabe.
Unlike South African leaders, Mugabe gave back the land to his people, Malema stated.
Apology to Africans
In the press conference that Rawlings cited, Malema apologised to Africans for the recent xenophobic unrest.
Please, find it in your good heart to forgive us. We’re sorry. We’re ashamed of ourselves and we sincerely apologise for this madness.
Julius Malema
He also appealed to South Africans to stop targeting foreign nationals and their businesses.
When you’re done with Nigerians, when you’re done with Mozambicans and Zimbabweans and Zambians, you’re going to go for Shangaans from Giyani. I have to stop you now before you come to me.
Julius Malema
The EFF leader strongly advocated for the abolishment of borders in Africa.