A brief moment during last week’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews has unexpectedly captured national attention. A screenshot circulating online appears to show EFF leader Julius Malema with his eyes closed during the high-profile interview of a Gauteng Judge President for Deputy Chief Justice.
The image, timestamped 17:44 on 2 July 2025 during Newzroom Afrika’s live broadcast, shows Malema seated among commissioners with his eyes shut as the judicial candidate spoke. Shared without context on social media, it quickly fueled speculation about whether the firebrand politician had dozed off during the important proceedings.
However, those familiar with Malema’s habits note he frequently closes his eyes during intense discussions. “This is his normal concentration style, not sleeping,” explained one commission insider. The EFF leader has built a reputation for rigorous questioning in previous JSC interviews, making the sleeping allegation seem out of character.
Public reaction has been divided. Critics argue the image reflects poorly on Malema’s commitment, while supporters dismiss it as a misleading snapshot. “Judging someone’s engagement from one frozen moment is unfair,” commented political analyst Thandiwe Nkosi. “The real story should be the judicial candidate’s qualifications, not commissioners’ blinking.”
The JSC has not commented on the incident, which occurred during its critical process of selecting South Africa’s next Deputy Chief Justice. Legal observers warn against distractions, noting the commission’s work affects the entire justice system.
Malema’s office declined to address the screenshot directly, instead pointing to his established record of active participation in JSC processes. As the image continues circulating online, it serves as a reminder of how easily moments can be taken out of context in today’s digital age – especially when involving high-profile political figures.
The commission completed its interviews last week and is expected to announce its recommendations for judicial appointments soon.
