Latest news with #JuliusMalema
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Julius Malema calls MK Party leader Jacob Zuma a ‘sellout' over his visit to Morocco
EFF leader Julius Malema has denounced former President Jacob Zuma's diplomatic visit to Morocco. Image: X/EFF Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has weighed in on former President and leader of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Jacob Zuma's recent visit to Morocco, calling him a 'sellout.' 'On (the issue of) Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,' he said on the sidelines of his court appearance at East London Magistrate's Court, in Eastern Cape. Malema, along with his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are accused of discharging a firearm in public during the EFF's fifth birthday celebrations in July 2018. The closing arguments from both the State and the defence are expected to be heard. The red berets leader and Snyman have previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. Malema's criticism comes after Zuma visited Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat 'Now there's a manoeuvre, they are no longer emphasising their party position on Morocco,' Malema said. 'They are saying, a former head of state can visit any country and have interactions with those people. No one is questioning that, we are questioning his position and that of his party in relation to Morocco." Malema reaffirmed the EFF's support for the Sahrawi people's struggle for independence. 'We are very clear, we are for the people of Western Sahara and we must make sure that they too realise their freedom in their lifetime.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MK Party's identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. 'Morocco's efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,' the policy states. On Saturday, the ANC lambasted the use of the national flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials. 'This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. 'This inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,' the ANC said. The party called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. 'We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity. 'We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anticolonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,' the party said. 'The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels. 'It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world,' the ANC said. On Sunday, Mbalula said that Zuma's actions are not a surprise as 'Jacob Zuma represents everything that is... pursued by sellouts'. Mbalula came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,' Mbalula said. 'The very decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress, for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. He will be remembered for that by history.' IOL Politics
Eyewitness News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Closing arguments due in Malema's firearm discharge case
JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is expected back at the East London Magistrates Court, where closing arguments will be heard in his firearm discharge trial. Malema is accused of firing a gun on stage at a rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, 2018. His security official, Adriaan Snyman, is accused of giving him the alleged weapon and will also be back in the dock with Malema on Monday morning. The pair faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening the Firearms Control Act. The closing arguments were initially set down for the end of 2024 but proceedings in the long-running trial hit a snag when the magistrate in the matter fell ill. READ: Malema's bodyguard calls on gun expert as first witness in duo's firearm discharge trial Previously, the defence led the evidence of two expert witnesses in firearms control and forensic ballistics for Snyman. Malema testified in his own defence. This is what Malema had to say when he took to the stand a year ago. 'My DNA is not found on that weapon, my house was never searched, my workplace was never searched looking for that weapon, I was never questioned about that weapon. I must come to this court and answer for weapons that cannot not be brought anywhere close to my skin or to me.' While Malema believes the State is clutching at straws, prosecutors believe they've made their case.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Juju's presence powers EFF to victory in hometown poll
The EFF snatched a crucial by-election victory in Polokwane's 'Juju Valley', signalling a warning shot to the ANC ahead of 2026. The presence of EFF leader Julius Malema on the ground and voting in his home ward in Polokwane appears to have paid off after his party dealt the ANC a serious blow in Wednesday's by-election for a seat in the Polokwane local municipality. EFF's Mongatane Ramaphoko garnered 3 370 votes compared with the 2 404 of the ANC's Mokgadi Boloko. Electoral Commission of SA manager Nkaro Mateta said the election was free and fair. Although it was expected the EFF would triumph in an area named 'Juju Valley' after Malema's nickname, the ANC said it was not deterred by the result. ANC downplays defeat ANC Peter Mokaba regional chair John Mpe said nothing was lost because, despite the win, the ANC still dominates the Polokwane municipality, holding 57 of the 90 seats, while the EFF has 19 (inclusive of the recent by-election), DA seven, Freedom Front Plus two, while Abantu Batho Congress, African Christian Democratic Party, Congress of the People and Magoshi Swaranang Movement each hold one seat. Mpe said the council had a total of 45 wards, the DA controlled four, the EFF three and the ANC sat comfortably with 38. He called the EFF win 'a drop in the ocean'. 'Between today and 2026, we have planned to rebuild and strengthen our structures, embark on an aggressive recruitment drive and voter education, while we ensure our communities, both Juju Valley and elsewhere, get municipal basic services,' he said. ALSO READ: Malema's revenge politics puts ANC on notice The ANC also still dominates the Limpopo legislature, with 48 out of the 64 seats. 'Tired of empty promises' The EFF has nine, followed by the DA with four. Independent political analyst Solly Rachilo said maybe it was time for the ANC to watch its back. 'Many people, particularly those who are tired of empty service delivery promises from the ANC-led government, are now seeking home in other political parties such as the EFF, the DA and uMkhonto weSizwe of former president Jacob Zuma,' said Rachilo. 'Remember, the South African Communist Party has contested the elections on its own for the very first time and got 1%. 'Breaking away from the tripartite alliance should be reason enough for the ANC to watch its back ahead of the municipal polls next year.' EFF eyes 2026 with bold confidence EFF Limpopo chair Lawrence Mapoulo said: 'When we went to the polls, we went there armed and prepared for any eventuality. We carried all our youth, middle-aged men and women and pensioners to that war. 'They are fighting a losing battle – watch and learn when we take power in 2026.' NOW READ: IEC warning: These rising threats could endanger future elections in South Africa
The South African
4 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Malema magic helps retain prized ward in Limpopo by-election
There is nothing but love between the people of Polokwane's Ward 13 and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. Malema's presence in his hometown of Seshego is believed to have played a key role in the recent by-election victory of EFF councillor Mongatane Ramaphoko. This win means the Red Berets have successfully retained the seat they secured during the 2021 Local Government Elections. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officially announced the results of the by-election held on Wednesday, 16 July. The EFF secured Ward 13 with 57.34% of the vote, defeating both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). The party stated that the victory reaffirmed the community's unwavering confidence in its leadership. In a tweet, the EFF described the win as a testament to the trust residents place in the party to represent their struggles and drive meaningful change at grassroots level. The political party shared a video of its members of parliament (MPs) celebrating the victory with the caption: 'MPs celebrated the decisive victory in Ward 13, a clear indication that our people are pleased with the EFF-led government.' The party also added that winning Ward 13 is the first step to running Polokwane. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
‘I don't know him, let him rot in jail,' Malema breaks silence on Vusimuzi ‘Cat' Matlala scandal
EFF leader Julius Malema has denied any association with controversial business tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who is accused of corruption and attempted murder. Image: X/EFF Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has distanced himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, following social media speculation linking him and his wife to the embattled tycoon. 'He must go - rot in jail. I don't know him. I don't even care about him,' Malema told journalists on Wednesday outside Mponegele Primary School voting station in Limpopo, where by-elections were held in Ward 13. 'I've never had anything to do with him. So you take a petty gossip and come ask me about it? There are serious national issues you should ask me about. I've got nothing to do with what is happening.' Malema also expressed frustration over the scrutiny, 'When I speak, you all complain. When I keep quiet, you all complain. I don't know what you want now ...le a nnyaka, man (you really want me to talk).' Malema's comments followed speculation on social media suggesting his wife, Mantwa Matlala, is related to Matlala or uses VIP protection services offered by his company, CAT VIP Protection. Images making rounds on social media, purportedly show a woman believed to be Mantwa being protected by agents from CAT VIP Protection. Some users have alleged that this connection is the reason for Malema's silence on Matlala. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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During a press briefing last week, Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records that allegedly show efforts to dismantle a KZN task team. Mkhwanazi linked Matlala to Brown Mogotsi, a 'comrade' of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and revealed Matlala had received a R360 million SAPS health services contract that has since been canceled. According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment of the task team was 'a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.' In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave and established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. On Tuesday, he appointed Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister, while Mantashe continues in his current role in Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Professor Firoz Cachalia is expected to assume the role permanently in August after retiring from Wits University. IOL News previously reported that Matlala is facing additional charges related to a 2023 shooting incident involving South African socialite Tebogo Thobejane, known for her role on Muvhango. Thobejane was shot in the foot on the N1 near Sandton, while a female passenger suffered a serious spinal injury. Last week on Friday, Matlala and his three co-accused appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court. The state announced plans to consolidate two other cases - one in Pretoria West and another in Lyttelton - into the current matter. Proceedings were postponed to August 26. Matlala appeared in shackles and was transported under heavy guard to the C-Max unit at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre. He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and money laundering. His co-accused include his wife, Tsakani Matlala (accused number four), Musa Kekana (accused number one), and Tiegi Floyd Mabusela, also known as Danny (accused number two). Tsakani Matlala was added to the charge sheet in May and granted R20,000 bail due to health concerns and her role as a mother of young children. Bail conditions include surrendering her passport, remaining in Gauteng, and avoiding contact with witnesses or relatives of the other accused. Matlala was arrested on May 14 in Midrand following what police called a 'high-profile investigation.' He is accused of orchestrating a hit on Thobejane and laundering millions, including funds tied to the canceled SAPS contract. IOL Politics
