Malema Threatens Legal Action Against Zille Over Joburg Tender Claims

Malema Demands Retraction and Apology from Zille

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is calling for a public apology from Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille. This demand follows contentious remarks Zille made in a recent interview, where she alleged that Malema had influenced key decisions during Herman Mashaba’s tenure as Johannesburg mayor.

Controversial Allegations Surface

During an interview with eNCA, Zille commented on Mashaba’s time as mayor, touching on his connections with the EFF. She stated her belief that Mashaba, in his quest to maintain political power in coalition with the EFF, allowed Malema to play a decisive role in major city decisions, especially regarding Johannesburg’s City Power and a fleet tender.

“He became the EFF’s mayor. He allowed Julius Malema to dictate major decisions and capture… City Power, and dictate the fleet tender and do all kinds of things that were in the interest of Julius Malema and his front companies, because Herman wanted to stay in power and he need[ed] Julius Malema’s support to do that.”

Zille also alleged that Mashaba appointed Shadrack Sibiya as head of an anti-corruption unit at Malema’s instruction, reporting, “when I said to him, we can’t do that, and he said to me that is the price we pay to stay in power.”

Legal Letter Demanding Public Retraction

In response, Malema’s lawyer, Angelike Charalambous, issued a legal letter distributed to the media. The letter calls for Zille to retract her statements and issue a formal apology.

• The apology must be shared on all of Zille’s social media platforms, including Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
• Zille is also asked to distribute a press statement to all relevant media houses, with publication contingent on EFF’s approval of its content and form.

The EFF has indicated it will share the apology through its own communication channels upon approval.

Malema’s Lawyer Accuses Zille of Political Motivations

Charalambous outlined the party’s stance on Zille’s alleged motive, maintaining that the comments were made specifically to harm Malema’s reputation.

According to Malema’s legal team, Zille’s statements were intended as political retaliation, portraying them as a deliberate move to damage the standing of Malema and the EFF.

“We are furthermore instructed that your making these defamatory statements is done deliberately to exact political revenge on our client and the EFF. The defamatory statements are made in an attempt to seek your revenge against our client for being your strongest opposition nationwide, other than the ANC in the political sphere. …your conduct is mala fide and done because you are disgruntled and are attempting to cause the EFF and Mr Malema maximum political damage.”

Escalation Threatened if Demands Are Not Met

The letter warns that if Zille does not respond with a satisfactory apology

• The EFF will consider legal action, including a claim for damages and an interdict restraining the further publication of Zille’s statements.

“Should you fail to do so, we hold instructions to institute further legal action against you, without further notice, including a claim for damages and an interdict restraining any further publication of the statements.” the letter reads.

Awaiting Responses From Zille and Mashaba

The Citizen has reached out to both Zille’s communication team and Herman Mashaba for comment on the issue. As of the publication time, their responses had not yet been received.

Broader Political Context

This dispute emerges amid tense political competition in Johannesburg, especially in the context of the upcoming elections. Public disputes over tender processes and political influence in city governance often become focal points during such high-stakes campaigns. Allegations of wrongdoing in municipal decision-making can significantly affect reputations and voter perceptions, even before any legal processes unfold.

In South Africa, it is common for political leaders to pursue legal recourse in the face of public allegations that are contested or deemed damaging. Such actions are often intended to demonstrate a strong stance on reputational defence, as well as to respond to concerns from party supporters and the broader electorate.

Looking Ahead

The next steps depend on Helen Zille’s response to the EFF’s demands. Her deadline for issuing an apology is set for Wednesday, 11 November. Should she comply or contest the legal threat, the matter will likely remain in the public spotlight in the lead-up to the election.

For now, all eyes remain on potential reactions from the key political figures involved and how these developments might shape the fast-changing political landscape in Johannesburg and beyond.