An MMC representing the Economic Freedom Fighters has defended the association between party leader Julius Malemaand Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, saying the relationship has never been hidden and should not be treated as suspicious.
Posting on social media platform X, the EFF official said Malema has openly acknowledged that he knows Sibiya and that their association is public knowledge.
The MMC pointed out that Malema was even a speaker at the funeral of Sibiya’s father, an event attended by various political and community figures. According to the post, this demonstrates that the relationship between the two is not secretive.
“President Malema has been open that he knows Sibiya and he was a speaker at Mswati’s funeral… it’s not a secret,” the MMC wrote.
The official further argued that Sibiya is widely known across political circles, adding that many public figures have interacted with him over the years.
Among those mentioned was former Herman Mashaba, who previously served as mayor of Johannesburg. The MMC suggested that if knowing Sibiya were considered problematic, then many others in politics would also have to be questioned.
“Many people know Sibiya, including former Johannesburg mayor Mr Mashaba. Is it a crime to know someone?” the post asked.
The remarks come amid growing public discussion around relationships between politicians and individuals mentioned in testimony during ongoing inquiries and investigations involving state institutions.
Political analysts say such connections are often scrutinised when allegations or investigations arise, particularly when they involve senior public officials or law enforcement matters.
However, supporters of the EFF leader argue that political leaders frequently interact with a wide range of individuals as part of their public and professional roles.
The debate has continued to unfold online, with supporters and critics sharing differing views about whether such relationships should be viewed as normal political interaction or raise concerns that warrant closer examination.
The comments have added to the broader national conversation about transparency, political networks and accountability within South Africa’s political landscape.