Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has escalated his long-standing feud with former South African president Jacob Zuma, delivering a bold message during a rally in Johannesburg on Tuesday: “Keep your distance, I’m not scared.” Malema’s remarks came in response to what he described as “veiled threats” from Zuma, whom he accused of attempting to intimidate his political opponents.
Addressing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Malema did not mince words: “We will not be intimidated by anyone, particularly not by a man who has been discredited for an extended period.” His comments were met with thunderous applause, signaling strong support for his defiant stance against Zuma.
The animosity between the two figures dates back to 2012, when Malema was expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) under Zuma’s presidency. Since then, Malema has been a vocal critic of Zuma, frequently condemning his alleged role in state capture and corruption scandals. In his latest salvo, Malema accused Zuma of manipulating ANC factions in an attempt to maintain political influence, asserting, “He believes he can continue to exert control over South Africa from the shadows, but those days are over.”
Zuma has not yet responded to Malema’s recent statements, but sources suggest a public response may be forthcoming. Political analysts see this latest exchange as indicative of a new phase in the ongoing power struggle between Zuma’s supporters and Malema’s growing influence.
Malema’s fiery rhetoric aligns with the EFF’s broader agenda of land expropriation without compensation and economic justice for the marginalized. Positioning the party as a champion for change, Malema emphasized that the conflict with Zuma is not personal but rooted in competing visions for South Africa’s future. “If Zuma or anyone else desires a confrontation, we are prepared,” he declared.
As both Malema and Zuma are known for their ability to mobilize large support bases, the tensions between them are expected to keep South Africa’s political landscape on edge in the months ahead.