NATIONAL NEWS - A political analyst who is a professor based at Unisa says despite the Economic Freedom Fighter’s (EFF’s) laudable performance in parliament in the past five years and contribution to the transformation agenda, in the past three months the red berets’ brand has taken a knock, and that is thanks to its commander-in-chief (CiC) Julius Malema.

“This racial discourse where the anti-racist uses racial categories ending up himself [Malema] sounding racist is exactly what I’m opposed to. Don’t take part in a discussion that ultimately will widen the wedge or gap between black and white [people],” Professor Lesiba Teffo said on Radio 702.

The professor adds his voice to a chorus of media commentators and political analysts who have been critical of Malema’s racial comments.

The leader of the EFF told attendees of the party’s election registration campaign last month that the organisation had taken the decision to remove Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Democratic Alliance (DA) mayor Athol Trollip because of the colour of his skin.

Malema further said the move to oust Trollip was an act by the party of “cutting the throat of whiteness”.

The EFF in NMB tabled a motion of no confidence in Trollip following Malema’s decision to punish the DA for not supporting the red berets’ parliamentary motion on land expropriation with no compensation.

Read more on the Caxton publication, The Citizen.