In a powerful and controversial Women’s Day address on August 9, 2025, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema reignited national debate by calling for the full legalization of prostitution in South Africa. Speaking to a crowd in Mpumalanga, Malema didn’t hold back—arguing that it’s time for the country to recognize sex work as legitimate labor, complete with legal protections and access to justice.
Malema made a compelling case for decriminalizing the profession, pointing to the daily threats sex workers face—not just from society, but from a system that refuses to defend them. “No one should be r*ped in the name of being a prostitute,” he declared. “And when she goes to open a case, they can’t because they say she’s a prostitute.” His words struck a chord, exposing a painful truth: without legal status, many sex workers live in constant fear and silence, unable to report violence or seek help.
This isn’t the first time the issue has surfaced in Parliament. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill—which includes proposed reforms on sex work—was approved for public input in 2022 but has since lingered without action. Malema’s comments could thrust it back into the spotlight.
The reaction to his speech has been polarizing. Advocates for sex workers’ rights applauded his boldness, saying it’s long overdue that the state listens to those living on society’s margins. But others warned that legalizing prostitution might open new doors to exploitation and abuse if not carefully regulated.
Still, Malema’s message is clear: dignity, safety, and rights should not be selective. In calling for the decriminalization of sex work, he challenges South Africa to confront a moral and legal grey area—one that affects thousands of lives every day.
Whether his call sparks legislative change or further division remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the conversation is no longer in the shadows.
