Malema threatens to sue Helen Zille – here’s why

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has threatened legal action against Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson Helen Zille over allegations that he interfered in the running of Johannesburg.

Malema’s lawyers have given Zille until Wednesday, 11 November, to retract her statements and issue a public apology.

The dispute follows an interview with eNCA on Sunday, 8 November, in which Zille accused Malema of influencing decisions during Herman Mashaba’s tenure as Johannesburg mayor.

WHAT DID HELEN ZILLE SAY?

Zille claimed that Mashaba allowed Malema to dictate major decisions in Johannesburg because he depended on the EFF’s political support to remain mayor.

She alleged that Malema influenced decisions involving City Power and a municipal fleet tender for the benefit of himself and companies linked to him.

Zille also claimed that Mashaba appointed Shadrack Sibiya as head of the city’s anti-corruption unit on Malema’s instructions.

Malema has rejected the allegations.

♦️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

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica)

November 10, 2026

MALEMA DEMANDS PUBLIC APOLOGY

In a letter dated 9 November, Malema’s lawyers accused Zille of making false and defamatory statements that damaged his reputation.

The EFF said Zille must withdraw her allegations, apologise publicly and issue a formal press statement.

Her proposed apology must also be submitted to Malema’s legal team for approval before publication.

Zille must further provide a written undertaking that she will not repeat the allegations.

The letter warns that Malema could pursue a damages claim and seek a court order preventing Zille from repeating the statements if she fails to comply by Wednesday.

The dispute comes as political parties negotiate coalition agreements following last week’s local government elections.

Zille is the DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, where no party secured an outright majority.