The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has demanded that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula publicly retract and apologise for comments alleging that the fourth largest party in SA was involved in recent anti-immigration protests, warning that they will pursue legal action if he fails to do so within 48 hours.
In a letter dated July 3 and marked “Extremely Urgent”, lawyers representing the EFF accused Mbalula of making defamatory statements during an ANC media briefing on July 2, where he allegedly linked the party to unlawful anti-foreigner campaigns.
The legal correspondence, issued by England Slabbert Attorneys, states that the EFF takes issue with remarks attributed to Mbalula in which he allegedly said that “another political party EFF was knocking on people’s doors telling foreigners to go, outside the law”.
According to the EFF, the comments create the impression that the party supports and actively participated in anti-immigration protests that have recently taken place across parts of South Africa.
EFF denies supporting protests
The party strongly denies the allegations, arguing that they are false and inconsistent with its stated political position. The letter notes that EFF leader Julius Malema has previously characterised anti-immigration protests as “Afrophobia” and maintains that Africa should be viewed as a united continent.
The EFF’s attorneys contend that the remarks portray the party as xenophobic, hypocritical and dishonest about its political beliefs. They further argue that the statements were made during a politically sensitive period ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November and were intended to damage the EFF’s reputation and electoral prospects.
“The allegations are untrue and are strenuously denied,” the attorneys wrote, adding that the comments have been widely shared on social media platforms, resulting in ongoing reputational harm to the party.
Red berets demand retraction
The EFF is demanding that Mbalula issue a public video statement retracting the remarks, apologising to the party and acknowledging that the allegations were false and defamatory. The party also wants the statement shared across all of Mbalula’s social media platforms and distributed to media organisations.
The letter warns that if Mbalula does not comply within 48 hours of receiving the demand, the EFF has instructed its legal team to institute court proceedings, which could include claims for damages and a punitive costs order.
The lawsuit threat resulted in exchanges between Mbalula and Malema on social media.
Mbalula responded on X: “I see the boys want me to retract the truth jonganapha makwedini andingo Kenny ke mna (look here, boys, I am not Kenny [Kunene]). Oright!
Replying to Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema said: “The boys is in your pants!”
- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demand ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula publicly retract and apologize for allegedly linking the party to recent unlawful anti-immigration protests.
- EFF lawyers sent an urgent letter accusing Mbalula of making defamatory remarks during a July 2 ANC media briefing, stating the EFF was encouraging foreigners to leave South Africa illegally.
- The EFF denies supporting anti-immigration protests, with leader Julius Malema previously condemning such protests as "Afrophobia" and promoting African unity.
- The party warns that failure to retract and apologize within 48 hours will result in legal action, including potential damages claims and punitive costs.
- The dispute has sparked a public social media exchange between Mbalula and Malema, with both making provocative statements.
