Malema Demands South Africa Seize 'Posh Houses' — Defends African Migrants

June 18, 2026 — Blessing Okafor 4 min read

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, has reignited heated national debate after publicly demanding authorities remove wealthy elites from their "posh houses" while defending the rights of African migrants to live and work in the country. The remarks, delivered during a weekend rally in Johannesburg, drew sharp reactions from political opponents and business groups alike.

Malema's Provocative Demand

At a packed rally in the Johannesburg township of SOWETO, Malema directed his rhetoric at what he termed "white monopoly capital"—a phrase he has used repeatedly since founding the EFF in 2013. "Take them out of their posh houses," Malema told the crowd, referring to wealthy South Africans who, he argued, occupy property built on historically inequitable systems. The statement quickly circulated across South African media before spreading to regional news outlets.

The EFF has long advocated for the expropriation of land without compensation, a policy position that has divided South Africa for years. Malema's latest remarks signal the party intends to keep the issue at the forefront ahead of future elections. The party currently holds 44 seats in South Africa's 400-member National Assembly, making it the third-largest political force in the country.

Defense of African Migrants

In the same speech, Malema defended African migrants living in South Africa, rejecting suggestions that foreign nationals were displacing local workers from economic opportunities. "These are our brothers and sisters from across the continent," Malema said, adding that blaming migrants for unemployment deflects attention from systemic economic failures. The comments come amid ongoing tensions in South African communities where xenophobic sentiment has flared periodically over the past decade.

South Africa hosts one of the largest immigrant populations on the continent, with the United Nations estimating that more than 4 million foreign nationals currently reside in the country. Many are entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and students contributing to the economy. Others work in sectors such as construction, retail, and agriculture where labour shortages persist.

Xenophobia and Economic Anxiety

The intersection of economic frustration and anti-immigrant sentiment has proved volatile in South Africa. Major outbreaks of xenophobic violence occurred in 2008, 2015, and 2019, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced. Community leaders and human rights organisations have repeatedly called for government action to protect vulnerable migrants while addressing legitimate concerns about service delivery and job creation.

Malema's defense of migrants places the EFF at odds with elements of its traditional working-class base, some of whom have participated in past anti-foreigner protests. The party has attempted to reframe the debate, arguing that wealthy elites stoke division to avoid scrutiny of their own role in perpetuating inequality.

Political Reactions

The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's main opposition party, condemned Malema's remarks as inflammatory. "Rhetoric about removing people from their homes, regardless of the justification, has no place in democratic discourse," a party spokesperson said in a statement. The ruling African National Congress, which governs in coalition with smaller parties, has not issued a direct response to the speech.

Business Unity South Africa, a prominent industry group, warned that statements targeting property owners could further damage investor confidence in an economy already grappling with slow growth and persistent power shortages. The country experienced two days of nationwide power cuts just last month, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges.

What the Statement Reveals

Malema's language reflects the EFF's broader strategy of framing South Africa's challenges through the lens of racial economic inequality rather than class alone. By linking property ownership to historical injustice while simultaneously defending African migrants, the party seeks to position itself as both radical on economic justice and pan-Africanist in outlook. Observers note this represents an evolution from earlier rhetoric that occasionally veered into anti-immigrant sentiment.

The EFF's annual January 8th Statement, expected within weeks, will likely elaborate on the party's priorities for the coming year. Analysts will watch closely for whether the migration and expropriation themes dominate the document as they did in this weekend's rally.

Why This Matters Beyond South Africa

For African nations watching regional dynamics, Malema's statements carry implications beyond domestic politics. South Africa positions itself as a continental leader, and rhetoric emanating from Johannesburg shapes perceptions of the country's attitudes toward fellow Africans. Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and other nations with significant diaspora communities in South Africa have in the past expressed concern about reports of xenophobic violence.

Malema's explicit defense of African migrants, however provocative in delivery, signals a potential counterweight to anti-foreigner sentiment at a time when pan-African unity faces tests ranging from trade disputes to contested election results across the continent.

What Happens Next

South Africa's Parliament resumes sitting in February, when land reform and migration policy are expected to feature prominently in legislative debates. The EFF has indicated it will push for expedited passage of bills enabling faster expropriation of underutilised land. The government has previously promised a citizens' summit on migration, though no date has been set.

Watch for counter-rallies from community organisations in the coming weeks, as well as commentary from the Presidency as the governing coalition navigates competing pressures ahead of regional elections scheduled for 2026.