Staff Reporter

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called on the South African government to legalize prostitution, arguing that sex workers deserve protection, dignity, and workers’ rights.

Malema made these remarks during the EFF’s Women’s Day rally in Secunda, where he also addressed the issues of women’s empowerment and gender-based violence.

“We are saying to the South African government, you must legalize prostitution.
“No one is going to be raped by police in the name of being a prostitute. Prostitution is the oldest profession in the whole world.”Malema said, emphasizing that regardless of personal beliefs, those who work in the industry should be respected and have legal protections.

Malema stated that under the current legal framework, sex workers are unable to report crimes against them, such as rape, because of their profession and therefore, decriminalization would give them the ability to seek justice and protection from law enforcement.

Malema has condemned gender-based violence, stating that men must take responsibility and stop raping women.