Julius Malema, EFF leader, and Fikile Mbalula, ANC secretary-general, traded sharp words on social media over the weekend in a Malema Mbalula social media spat over illegal immigration. The row erupted after Mbalula accused the EFF of hypocrisy and a U-turn on the issue during an ANC media conference last Thursday.
The public exchange highlights ongoing political tensions around migration policy and enforcement in South Africa.
Mbalula accuses EFF of U-turn on immigration
Mbalula lashed out at the EFF during the ANC media conference, claiming the party had performed a U-turn on illegal immigration. He said the EFF visited restaurants a few years ago and warned owners to hire South Africans rather than foreigners.
According to Mbalula, this earlier action contradicted the EFF’s current stance. The comments positioned the EFF as inconsistent on a topic that continues to generate public debate.
EFF rejects claims and demands retraction
The EFF responded with a formal statement and legal letter. It denied ever organising, endorsing or participating in door-to-door campaigns to intimidate, threaten or forcibly remove foreigners from their homes.
The party described such behaviour as fundamentally incompatible with its long-standing Pan-Africanist principles and commitment to the unity of the African continent. The EFF rejected xenophobia in all forms and blamed the government for failing to take proper action against illegal immigrants.
It further stated that vigilante groups emerged under the ANC regime because the state had abandoned its constitutional responsibilities. Instead of confronting its own record, the EFF said, Mbalula chose to invent an enemy in the form of the EFF. The party’s legal representatives wrote to Mbalula demanding that he publicly retract his statements and apologise in a video within 48 hours.
Malema Mbalula social media spat turns personal
The Malema Mbalula social media spat intensified on social media platforms. Malema wrote to Mbalula: “Come on, you’ve been talking nonsense for too long and we’re staying silent out of respect. F*ck you.”
He also described Mbalula as the “enemy” who should be treated as such. In another post, Malema added: “It was meant as a joke, but the f*cks are out to destroy the EFF.” Malema attended the Durban July horse race over the weekend while the online exchange continued.
Mbalula responded lightly, telling Malema that he was not afraid of him. As of 10:00 on Monday, Mbalula had not retracted his earlier remarks.
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