The political clash between Julius Malema and his former ally-turned-critic Jossey Buthane has intensified into a legal confrontation, with both expected to face off in court later this year regarding alleged defamatory remarks.
The conflict stems from a Facebook post made by Buthane in 2024, in which he implied that Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), underwent gastric bypass surgery to explain his significant weight loss. Malema has vehemently refuted this assertion, calling it false, damaging, and a deliberate effort to damage his reputation.
In his court filings, Malema claims that Buthane’s post misrepresented his health journey and painted him in an untruthful manner. He insists that his weight loss resulted from natural methods and lifestyle changes, not surgery as suggested.
Malema argues that the public nature of the Facebook post magnified its negative effects, subjecting him to mockery and speculation while harming his reputation as a leading political figure. Sources indicate that Malema is pursuing damages and a formal retraction from Buthane.
This legal dispute represents a significant shift in what was formerly a close political alliance. Buthane, who was once part of Malema’s inner circle, has increasingly become a critical voice against him. The defamation case underscores the widening divide between them, with their personal and political conflicts now unfolding in a legal setting.
Legal analysts believe the outcome may depend on whether the statements made on Facebook can be established as false and defamatory, and whether they caused quantifiable harm to Malema’s reputation. As a public figure, Malema may also have to prove that the comments were made with malicious intent or a disregard for the truth.
The case is expected to draw considerable public interest, given Malema’s prominence in South African politics and the heightened attention on social media discussions. It also reflects the growing phenomenon of political disagreements taking place on digital platforms, where posts can swiftly alter public opinion.
Neither Malema nor Buthane has publicly disclosed their legal approaches ahead of the upcoming hearing. However, the court proceedings are likely to provide further insights into the roots of the allegations and the deterioration of their former partnership.
As the trial date nears, observers will be keenly watching how the court addresses issues of free speech, reputational damage, and the duties associated with online commentary in today’s digital landscape.
