President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, urging him to stay out of government affairs and refrain from meddling in his working relationship with cabinet ministers.
Speaking in Sepedi during a parliamentary session, Ramaphosa made it clear that Malema had no authority over executive matters. “Honourable Malema, I am asking for one thing from you—don’t create conflict between the president and his minister,” he said. “The way I work with my minister does not involve you. Move aside, because when we are at our cabinet meetings, you are not there.”
Ramaphosa’s comments come amid rising tensions between Malema and the government, particularly regarding ministerial responsibilities and decision-making. Though the president did not name the minister in question, his message was firm: the opposition leader had no place in the internal workings of the executive.
[WATCH] “Honourable Malema, I am asking for one thing from you, don’t cause a conflict between the president and his minister. The issue of how I work with my minister does not involve you. Move aside because when we are at our cabinet meetings, you are not there. When the… pic.twitter.com/PHztSjgpAg
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 11, 2025
Defending his approach to governance, Ramaphosa emphasized that communication with his ministers is open and professional. “When the minister is done with his engagements, he informs me. Likewise, when I am done, I inform him,” he explained.
He further accused Malema of attempting to sow discord within the executive. “You want to come between us. I will not allow that. Not even a bit,” he asserted.
Malema, known for his relentless criticism of the ANC-led government, has frequently accused Ramaphosa of failing to hold his ministers accountable. However, the president’s sharp rebuke suggests he views Malema’s scrutiny as disruptive rather than constructive.
Political analysts see this exchange as another flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between the ANC and EFF. Malema, once a rising star in the ANC Youth League, has become one of Ramaphosa’s most vocal opponents, particularly on issues of governance and economic reform.
While Malema has yet to respond to Ramaphosa’s remarks, the clash is expected to intensify political debate in the coming weeks.