Julius Malema Threatens Legal Action Against Helen Zille Over Johannesburg Claims

Julius Malema has threatened to take Helen Zille to court unless she retracts allegations about his alleged influence over decisions in Johannesburg and issues a public apology. The dispute follows comments by Zille, the Democratic Alliance’s federal chairperson, in an eNCA interview on Sunday, 8 November. According to the report, Zille alleged that Malema had influenced decisions during Herman Mashaba’s time as Johannesburg mayor. She claimed Mashaba relied on EFF support to stay in office and allowed Malema to dictate important matters. Her allegations included decisions concerning City Power, a municipal fleet tender and the appointment of Shadrack Sibiya to lead the city’s anti-corruption unit. Malema’s lawyers sent Zille a formal demand dated 9 November, giving her until Wednesday, 11 November, to respond. The letter reportedly describes her statements as false and defamatory, and says they have harmed Malema’s reputation. His legal team is seeking a withdrawal of the claims, a public apology and a formal statement. The proposed apology would need to be submitted to the lawyers for approval before publication, the report says. The demand also calls for Zille to provide a written undertaking that she will not repeat the allegations. If she does not meet the deadline, Malema’s lawyers warn that he may seek damages and ask a court to prevent her from repeating the claims. The standoff comes as parties negotiate coalition arrangements after local government elections, with no party winning an outright majority in Johannesburg. Zille is the DA’s mayoral candidate in the city. The allegations remain disputed, and the reported legal demand is not a court finding on their truth.