Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema gave Democratic Alliance Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille until Tuesday to retract and apologise for allegedly making defamatory remarks, according to a legal demand issued by his lawyers following an eNCA interview on Sunday.
The conflict arises from a televised discussion in which Zille asserted that Malema had directed municipal decision-making while Herman Mashaba held the mayoral office. Mashaba served as Johannesburg mayor from 22 August 2016 to 27 November 2019, according to Jacaranda FM.
During the interview, Zille told eNCA that Mashaba became the EFF’s mayor because he needed Malema’s support to stay in power. She accused Mashaba of allowing Malema to dictate major decisions, capture City Power, and control fleet tenders for the benefit of Malema and his front companies.
Democratic Alliance Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille said, “He allowed Julius Malema to dictate major decisions and capture… City Power, and dictate the fleet tender and do all kinds of things that were in the interest of Julius Malema and his front companies.”
Additional allegations state that Zille claimed Malema directed the placement of Shadrack Sibiya as the director of the municipality’s anti-corruption division. Malema has rejected the allegations, describing them as false and defamatory.
Did You Know? Herman Mashaba served as the mayor of the City of Johannesburg from 22 August 2016 to 27 November 2019 before later founding ActionSA.
Zille faces legal action if she misses retraction deadline
Malema’s legal team, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc., instructed Zille to retract her statements and issue a public apology, as reported by IOL. The EFF stated that Zille has until Wednesday, 11 November 2026, to comply with the demand, failing which further legal action will be instituted.
According to The Citizen, Malema’s lawyer Angelike Charalambous stated that the public statement must be shared across Zille’s social media accounts, including Facebook, X, and Instagram. Charalambous added that Zille’s conduct was mala fide and intended to cause maximum political damage.
♦️Breaking News♦️ The legal representatives of President and Commander-in-Chief of the EFF, @Julius_S_Malema, have issued a formal legal demand against DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille following an interview with eNCA on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Helen Zille made false and… pic.twitter.com/sLA2Kqgl4m
In response to a social media post asking if she would retract the statements, Zille simply responded, “No,” according to IOL, indicating she has no immediate intention of complying with the demand. Malema’s legal team plans to pursue claims for damages and an interdict if the deadline passes without a retraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Helen Zille make the contested remarks?
Zille made the remarks during a televised interview with eNCA on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
What specific appointments and contracts were mentioned in the dispute?
Zille alleged that Malema influenced a city fleet tender and instructed the appointment of Shadrack Sibiya as head of the City’s anti-corruption unit.
What is the deadline for compliance set by Malema’s legal team?
Zille was given until close of business on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, to retract her statements, issue an apology, and provide a written undertaking not to repeat them.
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