Malema says Madlanga inquiry has not hurt EFF as local election campaign looms
EFF leader Julius Malema says testimony before the Madlanga commission has not weakened his party, even as he faces sharper public scrutiny over his ties
EFF leader Julius Malema says testimony before the Madlanga commission has not weakened his party, even as he faces sharper public scrutiny over his ties to crime intelligence figure Feroz Khan. The party chief made the claim on Thursday, insisting the political noise has not translated into damage on the ground.
Malema pushed back against suggestions that the revelations could erode support for the EFF ahead of South Africa’s local government elections in November. He said recent party events told a different story. Two rallies — including the EFF’s 13th anniversary and its manifesto launch in Thohoyandou — were “packed to the rafters,” he said.
Defiant tone at Sandton briefing
Speaking at a media briefing in Sandton, Malema said there was no evidence linking the EFF to wrongdoing, only rhetoric. He urged South Africans to resist what he called “juvenile and politically motivated insinuations” arising from the commission.
The commission has placed Malema under intense scrutiny after revelations about his close ties to Khan became a central issue. The EFF leader said that, despite the talk, no facts had emerged to implicate his party. Nothing concrete. Just accusations.
“Despite all attempts to cast doubt over the organisation and its leadership, there’s been no evidence that ties the …” he said, cutting off in the source material, but keeping to the same message: the party believes the inquiry has not produced proof of wrongdoing against it.
Malema hardens his stance
On Thursday, Malema also struck a combative note over any possible appearance before the commission. He said he would not be intimidated or belittled and warned that no commissioner would speak to him “like I’m a boy.”
He said he is an elected representative and party leader, and would not accept being shouted at by anyone — even a judge, magistrate or commissioner. If called, he said, he would appear. He added that he was not afraid to confront the process if he believes he has done nothing wrong.
The clash comes as the Madlanga commission and parliament’s ad hoc committee continue to probe allegations involving figures in South Africa’s police and intelligence services. Malema has cast the criticism as part of a political vendetta, and he has signalled that he will not soften his response.
The next test will come in November, when local elections give voters a chance to weigh the EFF’s message against the commission’s fallout. For now, Malema is betting the crowds still matter more than the headlines.
