President Cyril Ramaphosa has reprimanded EFF leader Julius Malema for launching personal attacks directed at Ramaphosa in Parliament.
Ramaphosa was responding to the parliament’s debate on the opening of parliament address (OPA) at a joint sitting at Cape Town City Centre on Monday.
NUM’s history questioned
Malema, during his debate on the OPA 2024 on Friday, claimed that Ramaphosa, who is the founding leader of the National Union of Mineworkers, enjoyed a soft life when fellow comrades suffered under apartheid.
Malema also questioned the formation of the NUM, suggesting that Ramaphosa had formed the union with the sole aim of serving as a conveyer belt between mine workers and the “highly exploitative” mining industry.
But the Ramaphosa did not take it lying down, reprehending Malema for making personal attacks instead of arguing on matters that were meant to take the country forward.
“You spent a lot of time talking about how the National Union of Mineworkers was formed. I would like you to read some books but more importantly. I would like you to spend some time speaking to people like Gwede Mantashe, who was a miner and one of the first members of the National Union of Mineworkers.
“I would like you to speak to people like James Motlatsi, who was president of the National Union of Mineworkers. It is a pity that Elijah Barayi, a stalwart in our struggle in the African National Congress, has passed on,” said Ramaphosa.
Out of touch
Ramaphosa said Malema should avail himself of meetings where they would discuss politics in detail. He alleged that the Red Berets leader was out of touch with what politics really is.
He said Malema found it hard to understand politics and would usually look confused in matters that involved politics, especially old politics.
Ramaphosa was confident that Malema would be able to talk about things that would better South Africa after sitting down with him.
“You know, you stood here some two years ago and insulted me and my father. You said my father was a police officer, and yes, I’m proud to be the son of a policeman, a very good policeman,” said Ramaphosa.
“I have spoken to your grandmother and I would never stand here to insult your mother because I respected her, and I respect you too. I say this because when we are in politics, it is important that we respect each other to show that all we are for is to take our country forward,” Ramaphosa added.
He said what Malema had said did not only offend him but other people as well so it was important that they work on understanding politics for the betterment of the country.
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