Bond Between South Africa and Nigeria Must Drive Economic Collaboration – Malema 

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), praised Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa’s liberation from apartheid, emphasizing the need for stronger economic ties between the two nations.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference opening in Enugu’s International Conference Centre on Sunday evening, Malema highlighted the importance of advancing this historic bond through collaborative economic initiatives.

Malema said: “I must reiterate once again that it is a deep honour to stand before you today in Enugu State in Nigeria, a country that holds a special place in the hearts of all South Africans.

“We understand history, feel solidarity
and appreciate the sacrifice made by others in the course of our history.

Nigeria is not just another African country to us”.

He recalled that when South Africa was shackled by apartheid and their people were murdered, imprisoned, and denied basic humanity, Nigeria rose as a giant for justice, placing his country squarely at the centre of its corridors.

According to him, Nigeria set up the Southern African Relief Fund and
mobilised its citizens to contribute to the liberation struggle.

“Even as it faced its own challenges at home, these initiatives raised millions of dollars to support the liberation of South Africa as people paid directly from their salaries to contribute to the liberation struggle.

“Nigerian students sacrificed a portion of their income, through the Mandela Tax,
which supported an educational training programme for Black South Africans.

“A successive Nigerian government never stopped in their material and moral support for South Africa’s liberation.

“In fact, Nigerian government boycotted the 1976 Olympic Games and the 1979 Convention of the Multiculturalists,” Malema said.

He added that Nigerian students did not only contribute through Mandela Tax, but also, through protests in opposition to apartheid.

“We can neither forget all those who stood by us during difficult times, nor can we forget that when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, one of his earliest international visits was Lagos and Abuja to personally thank the Nigerian people.

“These gestures are the foundation of a bond sealed in blood and sacrifice. However, this history must not remain in the past.

“This bond between South Africa and Nigeria must be carried forward into the present, not just in political sentiment but in concrete economic collaboration as both our nations stand as giants of the continent,” he stressed.

NAN