Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has said that his party is ready to react strongly to any political confrontation that the ANC starts, further inflaming his public dispute with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
“If you want a war with us, you will find it,” Malema said at a recent gathering, marking the latest escalation in the continuing debate between the two political heavyweights.
The remark comes after Malema and Mbalula have been publicly criticising each other for several days. They have discussed leadership, governance, and the future of South African politics. Social media and public speeches have played a significant role in the debate, drawing the attention of many supporters and political watchers.
You want a war with us, you will find it.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) July 4, 2026
According to Malema, the EFF would keep defending its leadership and policies, unfazed by its political rivals. Despite the increasing tensions between the two groups, he insisted that the party will continue to hold the ANC responsible for matters impacting South Africans.
According to political experts, the EFF and the ANC’s animosity is only going to grow in the wake of these recent remarks, especially as the two parties prepare for next election campaigns. A common element of South Africa’s political scene, they say, is the escalating animosity amongst top political figures.
Mbalula and the ANC had not yet responded to the comments when they were made. Political analysts and their followers have long been captivated by the leaders’ verbal altercations.
While claiming to represent South Africans’ interests, the ANC and the EFF have a contentious relationship, as shown in the most recent exchange. The two groups continue to disagree on issues of leadership, policies, and political strategy.
Stay tuned for more heated rhetoric as we wait to see if this issue stays contained in public discourse or escalates into wider political contestation in the coming months.
