Julius Malema tells Zimbabweans to seek municipal jobs in their own country

Julius Malema reacts to appointment of Zimbabwean national Kennedy Chihota

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has weighed in on the recent appointment of Zimbabwean national Kennedy Chihota as Director of Water and Sanitation at the Polokwane Municipality.

He said that while he has no problem with Zimbabweans being employed, it should be in their own country.

Speaking at the Siyabonga Rally in Seshego, Polokwane, on 16 August 2025, Malema stressed that South Africans should be prioritised in the job market, especially with unemployment sitting above 32% nationally.

“We are not saying Zimbabweans should not be given jobs, but they must get jobs from their own municipalities in Harare,” he said.

𝗘𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬

“We are not saying Zimbabweans should not be given jobs but they must get jobs from their own municipalities in Harare.” – EFF leader Julius Malema.#EFFSiyabongaRally#ChronicleNews pic.twitter.com/34JDWPDZHw

— Limpopo Chronicle (@LimChronicle) August 16, 2025

Malema’s remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with many South Africans recalling his previous comments about foreigners and how they compete with locals for employment.