Naledi Chirwa remains at the forefront of the EFF‘s campaign efforts, despite a public rebuke from Julius Malema over her ‘inappropriate’ letter.
Naledi Chirwa continues EFF campaign amid apology letter debacle
On Monday, Chirwa sent the internet into an uproar when she issued a public apology as punishment for missing the 2024 budget speech, a decision made due to her baby falling ill.
Chirwa, who has been serving as an MP since 2019, expressed her regret over her absence, citing her four-month-old daughter’s illness as the reason.
“I reported my absence from organisational duties to the organisation and not the designated whip in our caucus in Parliament, and am particularly regretful for this. I attended the PC for Higher Education in Parliament on the virtual platform on the same day and contributed to the business of the day. Unfortunately for the Budget Speech, there was no hybrid facility that could allow me to be present online (only physical attendance for the budget speech) thus my inability to be present,” Chirwa explained.
Despite the resounding support she’s received from women and feminist groups, Chirwa has steadfastly resumed her duties as a firm supporter of the EFF.
The Red Beret MP has since gone on a defensive tirade against any woman, man or NGO with public criticism for the EFF and Julius Malema’s handling of a maternity absence.
“NGO feminists were quiet when Ramaphosa had his domestic worker beat up. They’re quiet NOW after eating R1 billion 4 lousy meetings with Cyril in the name of GBV. But have everything to say about a Black woman LIKE THEM, going through self sacrifice in the interest of revolution,” she exclaimed in a tweet.
Julius Malema blasts Naledi’s ‘inappropriate’ letter
It seems Naledi Chirwa’s valiant effort to get back on Malema’s good graces has, thus far, not yielded much. The EFF leader threw Chirwa under the bus in his first public response to the apology letter debacle.
In a tweet, Malema wrote:
“The letter’s inappropriate insinuations have forced our movement into a defensive stance, detracting our members from the immediate task of doing door-to-door because they must now defend their movement from rubbish. In situations where we must choose between an individual and the organisation, we must always prioritise the organisation”
As part of the disciplinary measures, Chirwa was instructed not only to apologise publicly but also to purchase two gazebos valued at R5 000 each for the party by 28 March 2024.
“This has no bearing on my commitment and dedication to my beloved organisation and South Africans. I do not doubt my commitment to the movement of the people and the responsibility we have been entrusted with in the Parliament of South Africa. I will duly fulfil the reprimand set by the organisation for my absence on the day to purchase [two] gazebos before the 28th of March, and second to that, to publicise this apology as I have done. Ke isa seatla metsing,” she wrote.