South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has ignited debate after urging men to give women money as compensation for historical and ongoing oppression.
Speaking at a Women’s Day rally in Secunda, Malema said men have a duty to provide financial support, especially to black women.
“Any man who doesn’t give women money is an irresponsible man,” Malema told supporters, arguing that black women face “triple oppression” because of their race, gender, and socio-economic status.
He insisted that financial support should form part of redress for women’s struggles. “Women have to receive money, especially black women. They were oppressed three times more than us as men, and therefore, we have a duty to compensate them because they’ve gone through pain, and they still go through pain,” he said.
Malema also linked his remarks to the fight against gender-based violence, calling on men to protect, respect, and provide for women.
Addressing the issue of absent fathers, he said an EFF government would introduce stricter measures, including blacklisting men who fail to pay child maintenance to prevent them from participating economically. “When you don’t support your child, you are creating a criminal in our community,” he warned.
His comments came as President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the official National Women’s Day commemorations, also highlighted the importance of women’s financial empowerment.
Malema’s remarks have since generated wide reactions online. Supporters welcomed his stance on accountability and economic justice, while critics argued that his proposals oversimplify deep-rooted socio-economic challenges