Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa, Julius Malema, has reaffirmed his intention to topple the Botswana government in order to further his anti-imperialist cause.
The outspoken politician, who frequently refers to himself as a revolutionary, has sparked debate with his unshakeable principles and struggle against imperialism’s hegemony in Africa.
EFF’s 2019 election manifesto clearly states that with regards to international relations, “The EFF government will work towards the African isolation of Botswana, which has been home to an imperialist military base, and fight for progressive internal reforms within Botswana which should involve the people of Botswana. The EFF government will work towards the rejection of the Africa Command Centre, a military programme of the United States based in Botswana.”
While the term “fight for progressive internal reforms within Botswana” might be a little vague, Malema provided an indication of what some of the reforms involve. He told a group of editors and senior journalists in Sandton, South Africa, that he wants “to remove the government of Botswana through the people of Botswana and put a government that will dismantle that base which is putting a threat on the whole of SADC.”
The disputed and contentious base being alluded to is the Thebephatshwa Airbase which is owned by the government of Botswana. However, in a sign that Malema was not really certain of his facts, he referred to the base first as an “American base” then he went on to identify it as “the landing strip in the army base of Botswana”.
Given an opportunity on any day to address and engage with the media, the feisty politician hardly misses an opportunity to further his anti-imperialist cause, and, at the same time, fire salvos at America. In February he said “America can never be welcomed here in South Africa and the African continent,” further adding that they only come to Africa to “steal and finish off this continent”.
His recent remarks, however, may not be taken lightly by the Botswana government and the ministry of defense, justice, and security. Botswana’s Penal Code clauses are written in broad language that could be easily misinterpreted. By calling for an overthrow of the government of Botswana “through the people of Botswana” Malema’s remarks might be taken as being contrary to the public interest, a seditious offence; or raising discontent or disaffection amongst the inhabitants.
In response to regime change rhetoric which dates back more than ten years, Malema and a few EFF members were placed on Botswana’s visa blacklist in 2014. “Whoever is listed, is listed because they are a security threat,” said Edwin Batshu who was the minister of Labour and Home Affairs back in 2014.
While Malema continues his fight against imperialism, he appears to be taking a bigger risk than is prudent for a man whose expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC) in 2012 was partially due to his promise to bring about regime change in Botswana.
