‘Data is expensive’, Malema calls out telecom giants at EFF Rally

by Mathipa Phishego 

The head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has once again criticized South Africa’s major mobile network operators, calling for a significant reduction in data rates and a challenge to the data expiration policy. “Data must fall!” Malema declared over the weekend while addressing a large crowd at an EFF rally. Many South Africans, who continue to pay outrageous rates for mobile data, found great resonance in this comment.

EFF’s Commander in Chief, Julius Malema addressing the masses on June 16

image: Economic Freedom Fighters on X

Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has once again attacked the main mobile network providers in South Africa, demanding that data prices be drastically lowered and challenging the data expiration policy. Malema’s statement, “Data must fall!” struck a deep chord with many South Africans who still had to pay the hefty price of mobile data, when he addressed a sizable crowd at an EFF event over the weekend.

A long-running national discussion about digital accessibility is rekindled by Malema’s comments. The EFF has continuously pushed for free or inexpensive data, particularly for low-income areas and schools. Some cellular carriers made adjustments in 2020, such as lowering pricing and implementing data rollovers, in response to public pressure and Competition Commission examination. However, many activists contend that these reforms fell short.