On Monday, 19 May 2025, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led thousands of supporters in a powerful “VAT Victory March” from the Union Buildings to the National Treasury in Pretoria. The march, which celebrated the reversal of a proposed VAT increase, was also a platform for Malema and the EFF to present a 13-point memorandum that demands sweeping economic reforms.
The protest, which gathered a large crowd of passionate demonstrators, focused on pressing issues that Malema believes are essential for South Africa’s economic recovery and the improvement of the lives of ordinary citizens. Among the most urgent demands outlined in the memorandum were the cancellation of student debt, an issue that has sparked widespread protests and debates across the country, and the end of privatisation of key sectors, particularly in healthcare and education.
“The government must put the people first,” Malema declared during his speech, emphasizing the need for more equitable economic policies that address the growing inequality within South African society. His 13-point demand touches on a variety of critical issues, including social justice, land reform, and the expansion of public services to benefit the broader population rather than just the elite.
The demonstration also drew attention to the growing frustration among South Africans with government policies that, according to the EFF, have favored corporate interests over the needs of ordinary citizens. The VAT reversal, which had been a key focus of the EFF’s protests, was seen as a victory for the people, and the march was positioned as a symbol of resistance against austerity measures and economic mismanagement.
As Malema and the EFF push forward with their agenda, all eyes are now on the government to respond to these bold demands and address the growing concerns over South Africa’s economic future.
