Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has reignited debate over his expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC), claiming that former President Jacob Zuma targeted him for comparing Zuma’s leadership to that of Thabo Mbeki. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Malema alleged that Zuma viewed the comparison as an insult, leading to his removal from the ANC in 2012.
“I was accused of disrespecting him [Zuma] when I said we must measure his performance against the achievements of President Thabo Mbeki. That was the final straw for him,” Malema said. He explained that his remarks were made during internal ANC discussions about the party’s direction under Zuma, which he described as a call for introspection rather than an attack.
“As members of the ANC, it was our duty to evaluate the trajectory of the party under different leaders. Zuma’s reaction to my comments demonstrated his intolerance for critique,” Malema added.
Malema’s expulsion marked a significant turning point in South African politics. Officially attributed to disciplinary charges, including sowing divisions within the ANC, it led to his formation of the EFF in 2013. The EFF has since become a formidable opposition party known for its vocal criticism of the ANC and Zuma’s presidency.
On Wednesday, Malema reiterated his belief that his expulsion was politically motivated. “I was expelled not because of misconduct but because I spoke truth to power. Zuma wanted loyalty, not accountability,” he asserted.
Jacob Zuma’s spokesperson dismissed Malema’s claims, labeling them as revisionist and self-serving. “Julius Malema’s actions went beyond mere criticism; they were acts of insubordination that undermined the unity of the ANC,” the spokesperson stated.
Political analysts have weighed in on the remarks, with Levy Ndou noting that Malema’s criticism of Zuma reflected broader concerns within the ANC about leadership accountability during Zuma’s presidency. “Malema’s remarks underscore a generational rift between ANC veterans and younger leaders, a tension that was often silenced,” Ndou observed.
As South Africa approaches the 2024 general elections, Malema’s comments may rekindle debates about Zuma’s legacy and the events that led to the EFF’s rise. The incident highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two political figures, whose opposing trajectories continue to shape South Africa’s political landscape.