WATCH: Ramaphosa tells Malema ‘jealous down’ about the EFF taking ANC’s votes
The ANC has reduced its numbers in parliament by the exact same number the EFF grew by.
Cyril Ramaphosa and Julius Malema. Picture: EFF/Twitter
In a clip shared by the EFF on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa and EFF leader Julius Malema can be seen sharing a genial moment in Cape Town, as Ramaphosa congratulates the EFF on their improved showing in the recent elections.
The EFF grew by 19 seats, from 25 in 2015, to 44 in 2019. The EFF and ANC have themselves acknowledged it was no coincidence that the ANC shrank by the same number of seats, from 449 to 330.
Ramaphosa was joining hundreds of other politicians in the national legislature on Tuesday to register as a normal member of parliament. He is yet to be officially inaugurated as president over the weekend, at a lavish event at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
Ramaphosa, like all other members, will be sworn in as an MP during the first sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday but will then cease to be a member shortly after he is formally elected by the House.
Malema was there to register as an MP too, and when he and Ramaphosa encountered each other, Ramaphosa acknowledged him in a friendly manner, despite the harsh criticism Malema has often levelled at Ramaphosa since he replaced Jacob Zuma as ANC and national president last year.
Ramaphosa told Malema in his home language Sepedi: “You guys did well. Congratulations.”
Malema thanked him, and Ramaphosa added: “I was just telling the deputy [David Mabuza] that you guys did well.”
“Thank you, we appreciate it,” Malema responded.
“Jealous down,” said Ramaphosa with a smile. “Don’t forget that I’m saying jealous down.”
EFF CIC @Julius_S_Malema arrives in parliament for registration ahead of the swearing-in tomorrow. Upon his arrival he bumped into ANC President @CyrilRamaphosa who congratulated EFF’s performance in the elections, saying “jealous down”. pic.twitter.com/w6OQS87XrJ
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 21, 2019
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