Koko Sarah Malema is credited with raising the Economic Freedom Fighters’ president since childhood after his mother died.
In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa said “This bereavement is felt more sorely because of the special relationship Mr. Malema enjoyed with his grandmother. I too have fond memories of Koko Malema following an opportunity I had to speak to her when she was in the hospital. It is my hope that Mr. Malema will draw strength from his beloved grandmother’s values and her presence in his life.”
South Africa will hold its elections on Wednesday, in which more than 26 million people are registered to participate in.
Voters will elect a new National Assembly and provincial legislatures in each province. They will be the sixth elections held since the end of apartheid in 1994 and will determine who will become the next President of South Africa.
Ramaphosa will lead the ruling African National Congress (ANC), with the party attempting to retain its majority status and secure Ramaphosa a full term. Malema will challenge Ramaphosa as his EFF party seeks to dethrone the ANC, which has ruled South Africa since the post-apartheid era in 1994.
The May 8 vote will be South Africa’s sixth election since the country elected its first black president, Nelson Mandela.
