Malema apologises to Judge Matojane in Parliament after 2021 JSC questioning

EFF leader Julius Malema formally apologised in the National Assembly to Judge Elias Matojane and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for questions he put to the judge during Judicial Service Commission interviews in 2021, Speaker Thoko Didiza told the House.

Apology follows parliamentary and court processes

The apology was required after the Ethics Committee found Malema had breached provisions of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests during the 2021 JSC interviews, the House was told. The committee recommended in November 2021 that Malema apologise to Judge Matojane and the JSC, and the National Assembly adopted that recommendation in December 2021.

Malema challenged the decision in the Western Cape High Court, but his review application was dismissed. In December 2025, Speaker Thoko Didiza directed Malema to enter the apology in the House by 27 February. After he did not do so, the matter was referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee, which set 30 September as the deadline for the apology.

Apology delivered in his home language

On Tuesday, Speaker Didiza reminded the House of the committee’s recommendation and called on Malema to apologise.

“Honourable Malema, in vernacular, in his home language, which is South African language, has given an apology as it was required by the powers and privileges,”

The Speaker said Malema delivered the apology in his home language.

Related reprimand and apology from another EFF MP

The National Assembly also adopted a Powers and Privileges Committee report concerning EFF MP Sinawo Tambo’s conduct towards DA MP Kevin Mileham at a security entrance while members were queuing to enter the venue for the Budget Speech on 25 February. Speaker Didiza addressed Tambo in the House:

“Honourable Tambo, I now ask that in accordance with the recommendations the House has agreed to, you enter an apology for your conduct,”

Tambo subsequently apologised in the House.

Background to the JSC questioning

The matter before the Ethics Committee related to questions Malema put to Matojane then a Gauteng High Court judge and a candidate for appointment to the Supreme Court of Appeal about a ruling ordering the EFF to pay former finance minister Trevor Manuel R500,000.

Attributions

According to IOL, the Powers and Privileges Committee set 30 September as the deadline for Malema’s apology. According to IOL, the website is one of South Africa’s leading news and information sites bringing millions of readers breaking news and updates on politics and other topics.