Julius Malema hits back at Jacob Zuma, vows to defend the eff’s integrity following resignations to the MK Party

Malema remarked, “This is not the first time he has invited 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.” His comments come after a number of high-ranking EFF members defected to Zuma’s MK Party, which aims to position itself as a force in South Africa’s political future, particularly targeting former anti-apartheid fighters and Zuma’s political legacy.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has responded defiantly to former South African president Jacob Zuma, dismissing any intimidation following the resignations of key EFF members to join Zuma’s newly-formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. In a fiery interview on the party’s podcast, Malema expressed that he was not afraid of Zuma and was ready to “fight” him once again, reinforcing his commitment to the EFF’s values and its survival in South Africa’s political landscape.

Despite the public defections, Malema emphasized that the EFF would not tolerate backstabbers. “There is no way anyone is going to threaten the existence of the EFF and that person becomes a friend, that will be a lie,” he said, referencing the betrayal felt from the resignations. Malema, who has had a tumultuous relationship with Zuma over the years, made it clear that he would not entertain any false displays of camaraderie from those who had previously undermined the party.

The exchange highlights the ongoing power struggle within South Africa’s left-wing and anti-establishment factions, with Zuma’s MK Party positioning itself as an alternative to the African National Congress (ANC) and EFF’s growing influence in national politics. Malema’s comments underscore the deep-seated rivalry between the two leaders, with Zuma’s political return offering a new challenge to the EFF’s dominance, particularly as it prepares for upcoming elections.