“We need one African language.” — Julius Malema
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has renewed his call for Swahili (Kiswahili) to become the common language across Africa, arguing that the continent must move beyond the linguistic divisions created by colonialism.
Malema says a shared language would strengthen communication, deepen African integration, and support his broader vision of a more united continent. He has also urged South Africa to introduce Swahili in schools, describing it as a practical first step toward wider adoption across Africa.
Swahili is already spoken by more than 100 million people across East and Central Africa and is one of the African Union’s official languages, making it one of the continent’s most widely used indigenous languages.
Do you think Swahili should become Africa’s common language, or should the continent preserve its linguistic diversity?
Julius, no one is interested in speaking one language with South Africa at the moment. You can only speak one language with people you’re willing to be neighbours with. As Zambians, we already speak one language with Malawi, adding the likes of Jancinta and Umthakathi would be a poisonous mix. Sorry, Julius, you’re a good guy, but I say no to your proposition.
I love SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE. But they can introduce Swahili in schools so that 100yrs from NOW the whole continent will know how to communicate in Swahili