South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has sparked widespread debate following bold remarks urging men to provide women with financial support as a form of compensation for centuries of systemic oppression and inequality.
Speaking at a Women’s Day rally in Secunda, Mpumalanga, Malema emphasized that men—particularly black men—carry a moral and social responsibility to ensure women are financially supported. He argued that black women, in particular, continue to bear the heaviest burden due to what he termed “triple oppression” stemming from race, gender, and socio-economic status.
“Any man who doesn’t give women money is an irresponsible man,” Malema declared to a crowd of supporters. “Women, especially black women, have endured oppression three times more than us as men. We have a duty to compensate them because they have gone through pain, and they still go through pain even today.”
Linking Financial Redress to Gender Equality
Malema framed his call for financial support not merely as an act of generosity but as a necessary step in addressing the enduring inequalities faced by women. He stressed that economic redress must go hand in hand with efforts to combat gender-based violence, noting that women need more than protection and respect—they also require tangible financial empowerment.
According to Malema, such empowerment is essential to reducing the vulnerabilities that perpetuate cycles of abuse and poverty. “We must protect, respect, and provide for women,” he said, underscoring the EFF’s commitment to tackling gender injustice on multiple fronts.
Addressing the Crisis of Absent Fathers
The EFF leader also turned his attention to the issue of absent fathers, which he described as a major contributor to social and economic instability. Malema revealed that under an EFF-led government, strict policies would be introduced to hold negligent fathers accountable.
These measures would include blacklisting men who fail to pay child maintenance, effectively barring them from participating in certain economic activities until their obligations are met. “When you don’t support your child, you are creating a criminal in our community,” Malema warned, stressing that economic neglect within families has long-term consequences for society as a whole.
Broader National Conversation
Malema’s comments came on the same day that President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the official National Women’s Day commemorations, highlighted the urgent need for women’s financial empowerment as a cornerstone of true gender equality.
While Malema’s remarks have garnered praise from supporters who view them as a strong stance on accountability and justice, they have also attracted criticism. Some detractors argue that his proposals, though well-intentioned, risk oversimplifying the complex socio-economic and cultural issues that underpin gender inequality in South Africa.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Public responses across social media platforms have been divided. Supporters welcomed Malema’s candid call for men to take responsibility, applauding the emphasis on both financial and moral accountability. Critics, however, raised concerns that placing the burden of compensation directly on men may not address structural inequalities or provide long-term sustainable solutions.
Despite the controversy, Malema’s message has succeeded in reigniting national conversations about gender justice, financial empowerment, and the shared responsibilities of men in building a more equitable society.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
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