Gloves Come Off: 'Zuma is Inviting Me Back to Fight With Him, I'm Not Scared,' Says Julius Malema
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has responded boldly to former president Jacob Zuma's call for him to return and join forces. Speaking on the EFF's podcast, Malema stated he was unafraid of Zuma and ready to confront him head-on, emphasizing that he would not be intimidated by the former president or his supporters.
"This is not the first time he is inviting me back to fight with him and I'll do it, I'll do it with ease. I'm not scared of Zuma or all his people," Malema declared, highlighting that he was not interested in people who pretend to be friends while undermining him behind his back.
Malema's comments come after several high-ranking EFF members resigned from the party and joined Zuma's newly formed MK Party, which has quickly become the third-largest political force in the country. Malema took a firm stance against the idea of merging the EFF with the MK Party, describing it as a non-starter.
During the podcast, Malema revealed that before the May 2024 elections, Zuma's homestead in Nkandla was the venue for a meeting where the idea of dissolving the EFF and other opposition parties to form a new movement under Zuma's leadership was discussed. Malema confirmed that he did not attend the meeting but sent senior members of the EFF, including Dali Mpofu, who allegedly presented the idea to shut down the EFF and form a party under Zuma's guidance.
Despite these developments, Malema asserted that the EFF remains strong and will not be dismantled. He firmly declared that no one could destroy the party they had built, calling it their "own child." Malema also stated that the EFF will continue to be the future of South African politics, unaffected by opportunism.
Addressing the media during President Duma Boko's inauguration in Botswana, Malema clarified that his relationship with Zuma was strictly political, stating they are political contenders with mutual respect where their views align but a clear difference where they disagree.
As the EFF prepares for its upcoming elective conference next month, Malema's words serve as a warning to any opposition that seeks to challenge the party's dominance.
"This is not the first time he is inviting me back to fight with him and I'll do it, I'll do it with ease. I'm not scared of Zuma or all his people," Malema declared, highlighting that he was not interested in people who pretend to be friends while undermining him behind his back.
Malema's comments come after several high-ranking EFF members resigned from the party and joined Zuma's newly formed MK Party, which has quickly become the third-largest political force in the country. Malema took a firm stance against the idea of merging the EFF with the MK Party, describing it as a non-starter.
During the podcast, Malema revealed that before the May 2024 elections, Zuma's homestead in Nkandla was the venue for a meeting where the idea of dissolving the EFF and other opposition parties to form a new movement under Zuma's leadership was discussed. Malema confirmed that he did not attend the meeting but sent senior members of the EFF, including Dali Mpofu, who allegedly presented the idea to shut down the EFF and form a party under Zuma's guidance.
Despite these developments, Malema asserted that the EFF remains strong and will not be dismantled. He firmly declared that no one could destroy the party they had built, calling it their "own child." Malema also stated that the EFF will continue to be the future of South African politics, unaffected by opportunism.
Addressing the media during President Duma Boko's inauguration in Botswana, Malema clarified that his relationship with Zuma was strictly political, stating they are political contenders with mutual respect where their views align but a clear difference where they disagree.
As the EFF prepares for its upcoming elective conference next month, Malema's words serve as a warning to any opposition that seeks to challenge the party's dominance.
