The leader of South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, says President Robert Mugabe should step down.
Speaking in Soweto, South Africa, on Thursday at an event to remember the late former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, said Mr. Mugabe should hand over power to another person like what Castro did a couple of years ago.
“We like President Mugabe … But we now need a new leader. Like Castro, he must hand over power to other people,” he said.
Castro handed over power to his brother, Raul, following the Cuban Revolution in 1959.
Malema, who used to support President Robert Mugabe’s rule when he was in the ruling African National Congress, changed his mind when he formed the opposition EFF, which is giving the ANC a torrid time.
He still maintains that he respects President Robert Mugabe for his involvement in the liberation struggle of the 1970s.
Some political commentators said Malema’s remarks will resonate well with the majority of Zimbabweans, who claim that Mr. Mugabe has overstayed in power.
The 92-year-old President Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from British rule in 1980. He is the sole presidential candidate for the ruling Zanu PF party in the 2018 polls.