President Cyril Ramaphosa and Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema hugged it out in Lesotho today, much to either the delight or ire of South Africans.
Personal jabs in the making
South Africans weren’t exactly sure what to make of this exchange.
????— Lord Machankura (@LordMachankura) October 28, 2022
Both politicians attended the inauguration of Lesotho’s newly elected Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, in Maseru on Friday.
One person said Malema was specifically focusing on Ramaphosa’s facial features: “When they come back home, he will be on top of him”.
Earlier this week, while addressing delegates at the 3rd Provincial People’s Assembly of the EFF in KwaZulu-Natal, Malema remarked on Ramaphosa’s “big nose”.
Malema: ‘The one with the big nose’
Malema said, “that one with the big nose is only [at King Misuzulu’s ceremony on Saturday] for the certificate, it is possible that he is the one trying to divide the royal family”.
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When that big nose comes back here he must face the music! He better make sure he doesn’t lose the ANC’s upcoming electoral conference because if he does his going to jail for a very long time!! ???????????? ✊????
????❤???? ????❤???? ????❤???? #effRedFriday #Lesotho #RamaphosaMustGo pic.twitter.com/7zPmku8Of4— Lwando Ntshanga (@lwando_ntshanga) October 28, 2022
Even if Ramaposa can smile with Malema . Malema can change is tune and he will still says Ramaposa must leave his office— Richard Mabaso (@RichardMabaso12) October 28, 2022
Malema also said the president “must not be allowed to speak”, as it is a Royal Family matter, and not an ANC conference.
He added: “[The coronation] is not for big nose with dollars under the mattress”.
‘Politics aren’t personal’
While one person said the greeting was “an act of hypocrisy, another added: “Politics are not personal, chief”.
While one netizen believes the EFF is the ANCYL rebranded, another said: “Political maturity, EFF leads in that approach”.
It’s politics boet. Nothing personal.— PATJI (TIBLO) MAAKE (@tiblo_PM) October 28, 2022
New Lesotho prime minister
Addressing attendees at the event, Ramaphosa congratulated the prime minister and reflected on the ties between Lesotho and South Africa.
“For many, [Lesotho] became a place of refuge and safety. […] We acknowledge with gratitude the solidarity and the hospitality of the Basotho”.
“We, therefore, welcome the commitment of the incoming government to give priority to the finalisation of this important work”, Ramaphosa concluded.
