Cape Town – EFF leader Julius Malema has slammed former President Jacob Zuma for visiting Morocco and meeting with its foreign minister, calling him a “sellout” who has abandoned the pro-independence cause of Western Sahara.
According to reports, Zuma visited Morocco on 16 July, and publicly supported its claim over Western Sahara, a disputed territory annexed by Morocco in 1975.
His actions drew criticism, particularly for allegedly using the South African flag during the visit.
The region remains at the centre of a long-standing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which advocates for the Saharawi people’s independence.
Speaking on Monday outside the East London Magistrate’s Court where he faces firearm-related charges, Malema criticised Zuma for shifting from the longstanding support for the Sahrawi people, aligning instead with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara.
“On Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,” Malema said.
[WATCH] EFF leader Julius Malema calls former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma a “sellout” for his recent Morocco visit. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/kbuPSVZzOl
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 21, 2025
He reiterated the EFF’s unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
“We are very clear, we are for the people of Western Sahara and we must make sure that they too realise their freedom in their lifetime,” Malema said.
Zuma’s visit has also drawn sharp condemnation from the ANC, which denounced the use of South Africa’s national flag during his meeting with Moroccan officials.
The ANC labelled the act a “reckless and provocative” violation of diplomatic norms, accusing Morocco of foreign interference and Zuma of undermining the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order.
Reckless and provocative
“This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa’s internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,” ANC national spokeperson Mahlengi Bhengu said in a statement.
The ANC called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and demanded an explanation and apology from Morocco. The party further urged South Africans to reject what it described as a dangerous precedent threatening national unity and democratic values.
The ANC also condemned Zuma’s betrayal of principles such as Pan-Africanism, anti-colonial solidarity, and progressive internationalism.
Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, speaking at an ANC National Working Committee meeting in Cape Town, said Zuma’s actions reflect the behaviour of a “sellout” and accused him of dividing the nation by forming the MK Party for personal gain.
“We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. Zuma is no messiah,” Mbalula declared
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
