Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has sparked widespread political debate after revealing details of a conversation he had with former ally Floyd Shivambu before the 2014 general elections. Speaking during a public address on Tuesday, Malema admitted that the pair initially believed they only needed two seats in Parliament to regain political relevance and access to positions of influence.
Malema said, “I told Floyd in 2014 that we only need two seats in Parliament for me and him so that we can get back on the table of eating.” The remark immediately drew strong reactions across South Africa, with many interpreting the phrase “table of eating” as a candid reference to the benefits and influence associated with political office.
The statement has prompted calls for greater accountability. Democratic Alliance spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that the party plans to seek clarity on whether Malema’s comments amount to a breach of Parliament’s Code of Ethical Conduct. While there has been no indication from the South African Police Service (SAPS) of a criminal investigation, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has argued that the remarks deserve scrutiny under broader ethical and integrity standards expected of public representatives.
Malema and Shivambu were expelled from the African National Congress Youth League in 2012 following disciplinary proceedings linked to a reported R1.2 million loan controversy involving Malema’s Chancellor House-linked trust. They later co-founded the EFF, which exceeded expectations in the 2014 general elections by securing 25 parliamentary seats instead of the two they had privately discussed.
Outside the EFF’s Johannesburg offices, reactions to Malema’s remarks reflected the mixed public sentiment. A street vendor selling party regalia commented, “At least he honest. Every politician eating. This one just says it out loud.”
Shivambu, who now serves as deputy president of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, has not publicly responded to Malema’s revelation. His silence has fueled further speculation about the relationship between the former political allies and the circumstances surrounding their eventual split.