Johannesburg (South Africa), July 21, 2025 (SPS) – Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, launched a scathing attack on former President Jacob Zuma, labeling him a "Sellout" for his recent diplomatic engagement in which he supported Morocco's colonial agenda in Western Sahara. This stance had previously drawn sharp criticism from the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Zuma, who now leads a small splinter party called "Umkhonto we Sizwe" (MK), sparked widespread controversy after his meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. The Moroccan side improperly used the South African flag during the encounter, as the South African politician was not representing the African state but rather himself and his party only.
Malema was unequivocal in his condemnation, saying Zuma’s visit and endorsement of Morocco's stance amounted to a betrayal of the anti-colonial struggle in Africa.
“On Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,” Malema said. “They are saying, a former head of state can visit any country and have interactions with those people. No one is questioning that, we are questioning his position and that of his party in relation to Morocco.”
Reaffirming the EFF’s solidarity with the Sahrawi independence movement, Malema added: “We are very clear: we are for the people of Western Sahara, and we must make sure they too realise their freedom in their lifetime.”
Zuma’s remarks stand in stark contrast to South Africa’s long-held foreign policy, rooted in support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and opposition to Morocco’s colonial expansionism.
The backlash extended beyond Malema. The ANC, Zuma’s former political home, condemned not only the meeting but also the symbolic use of South Africa’s national flag during the Rabat engagement, calling it “reckless,” “provocative,” and a violation of diplomatic norms.
“This inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,” the ANC said in a statement. The ruling party called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and demand an apology from Moroccan authorities.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula was even more direct, saying Zuma’s actions “are no surprise” and labeling him “a sellout of note.”
“We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara.
“Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,” Mbalula said.
The ANC further accused Zuma of undermining the country’s diplomatic integrity and turning his back on Pan-African values.
“The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu. “It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is now standing against the creation of a just and democratic Africa.”
Zuma’s alignment with Moroccan authorities has reignited historical tensions and intensified political debate across South African media, raising questions about the motives behind his move and its implications. The controversy has also renewed focus on South Africa’s longstanding, principled support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
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