Malema makes a U-turn on the support of the Springboks team

EFF Leader Julius Malema has insisted that he doesn’t support the Springboks because they represent the “apartheid symbol” and must fall. This is contrary to the message of support the organization issued the past week after the 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph in France.

South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final to win a record fourth title.

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“Congratulations to the Springboks for winning the Rugby World Cup. Historic, Monumental and Inspiring,” said the EFF in a statement on 28 October 2023. 

WHY JULIUS MALEMA DOESN’T SUPPORT THE SPRINGBOKS TEAM

But speaking at the party’s Gauteng elections workshop in Johannesburg on Sunday, Malema said the Springboks is a team celebrated by “murderers”.

He says the party would change the team’s emblem and colours, should they come into power after the national elections.

“I don’t support the Springboks. I don’t support the emblem and the apartheid colours that the National Team wears. We want the colours that represent democracy,” he said.

“Amabokoboko, die Bokke, Springboks is an apartheid symbol,” added Malema.

“You can’t say remove apartheid symbols and maintain the name Springbok and the emblem, and the colours that were used during apartheid by white people.

“You can’t say Rhodes must fall, and not say Springboks must not fall. The Springboks must fall,” he said.

“Why are being forced to salute the emblem that was saluted by [DF]Malan. To salute the emblem that was saluted by [PW] Botha, by [Hendrik] Verwoerd, by [FW] De Klerk?,” asked Malema.

“That emblem and that jersey represent white supremacists that we don’t support.”

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Meanwhile, the World Champions concluded their Trophy parade tour in East London on Sunday. The tour began in Pretoria on Thursday and also went to Johannesburg, Soweto and ended at FNB. Cape Town residents had the opportunity to welcome the team on Friday morning while it also went to Durban on Saturday.