"In 2019, you said 'Thuma Mina', the nation sent you, but to this day, we don't know what you went and did. It was in 2019 when you stood before South Africa, after asking us to send you, and you promised the nation speed trains and a smart city. You asked us to imagine a country… pic.twitter.com/63YupOoCWZ
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) February 11, 2025
On February 11, 2025, at the Niewmeester Marquee in Cape Town, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), harshly criticized the ANC government’s failure to keep its promises during the SONA debate. He referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2019 pledge, where he appealed to the nation with the phrase “Thuma mina” (Send me).
Ramaphosa had envisioned a transformed South Africa with high-speed trains and smart cities, inspiring the public to dream of a future where bullet trains would travel through Johannesburg.
Malema’s comments reflected the frustration and disappointment felt by many South Africans. He pointed out that despite the bold promises made in 2019, there has been little progress on these ambitious projects. “In 2019, you said ‘Thuma mina’, the nation sent you but to this day, we don’t know what you went and did,” Malema said. His words resonated with the audience as he questioned the lack of concrete results from Ramaphosa’s promises.
The leader of the EFF took the opportunity to question the government’s transparency and accountability. He condemned the ANC for not fulfilling its promises, stressing the visions of bullet trains and smart cities are still far from reality. Malema’s speech highlighted the need for leaders to be held responsible for their commitments and to ensure that these promises lead to tangible advancements for the country.
As South Africans face ongoing socio-economic difficulties, Malema’s criticism has ignited an important discussion about the necessity for strong leadership and the achievement of concrete outcomes.
