The Democratic Alliance (DA) and its federal chairperson, Helen Zille, have rejected demands by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to retract and apologise for allegedly defamatory statements, telling his legal representatives: “No. See you in court.”
The dispute follows comments made by Zille during an interview on X on November 8, in which she allegedly accused Malema of influencing decisions in the City of Johannesburg, including the appointment of officials and the awarding of tenders.
In a letter of demand dated November 9, Malema’s attorneys, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc., accused Zille of making false and defamatory allegations against their client.
Among the allegations highlighted by his legal team were claims that Malema dictated decisions in Johannesburg, had captured City Power, influenced a fleet tender for himself or companies linked to him, and instructed the appointment of Shadrack Sibiya to an anti-corruption position.
Malema’s attorneys demanded that Zille publicly retract the statements and apologise, with the retraction and apology to be published on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as communicated to the media.
They also demanded an undertaking that she would not repeat the allegations, with the proposed wording subject to their legal approval.
Zille and the DA were given until close of business on November 11 to comply, failing which Malema’s legal team threatened to institute a damages claim and seek an interdict without further notice.
However, the DA and Zille have rejected the demands.
In a response dated November 10, attorneys Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc., acting for the DA and Zille, told Malema’s legal representatives that their clients would not comply.
“The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court,” the letter reads.
The attorneys further instructed that any court application be served on them by email.
The response signals that the dispute could now be taken to court if Malema proceeds with the threatened legal action.