South Africa’s opposition leader Julius Malema has called for deeper ties between Nigeria and South Africa, reminding Nigerians of their decisive role in dismantling apartheid.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader described Nigeria as a nation of “giants of justice” who sacrificed in solidarity with South Africans facing imprisonment and repression. He highlighted Nigeria’s boycott of the 1976 Olympics and contributions by Nigerian workers and students towards the liberation struggle.
“Nelson Mandela himself recognised these sacrifices when he visited Lagos and Abuja after his release from prison to express gratitude,” Malema said.
Turning to the present, he lamented Africa’s continued economic dependency, where raw materials are exported cheaply and re-imported at high cost. He argued that Nigeria and South Africa, as continental powerhouses, must work together to break this cycle and chart a path of economic independence.
The event’s chair, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, encouraged participants to ensure practical implementation of the conference’s resolutions, while NBA President Afam Osuigwe urged members to make difficult but necessary choices for Nigeria’s progress.
