EFF leader Julius Malema has confirmed his friendship with controversial businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), confirmed his acquaintance with the controversial businessman Zesimdumise "Ze" Nxumalo. However, he vehemently denied any involvement in criminal activities amid allegations that have surfaced during the ongoing Madlanga Commission hearings.
The allegations against Malema were brought to light by suspended Gauteng police sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who testified at the commission. Nkosi's claims have cast a shadow over the EFF leader, prompting Malema to take to the podium yesterday and address the matter head-on.
“They never said we got a list from the EFF,” Malema said.
“They said someone brought the list and claimed it was from the Red Berets. They never said the Red Berets sent that list.”
Nkosi, who is allegedly linked to criminal activities, told the commission that he received internal tender documents and engaged in discussions related to a controversial Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) security tender.
The discussions allegedly involved former MMC for corporate and shared services, Kholofelo Morodi.
Evidence presented before the commission, including WhatsApp exchanges, allegedly links Morodi to the sharing of tender-related material.
Nkosi, who is an organised crime officer, testified that he received documents from her concerning a land lease tender and claimed she was involved in efforts to influence procurement outcomes.
The parties implicated in the matter include the Economic Freedom Fighters and ActionSA.
In 2024, the TMPD advertised a tender for security companies to protect municipal infrastructure for three years.
According to evidence before the commission, the TMPD’s deputy chief, Umashi Dlamini, compiled a list of seven preferred companies that he allegedly received from the EFF.
The list was passed to Nkosi, who forwarded it to the municipality’s chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi.
Malema said the claims rely on hearsay.
“Someone said it was an EFF list and asked others to verify it. No one came to me to confirm whether it was from the EFF,” he said.
He added that the commission failed to establish whether the list was ever verified with him or any EFF leadership.
“If you call that implication, then you must go back and verify the source,” Malema said.
“There is nothing that links the EFF or its leadership to this matter.”
Malema further argued that individuals were invoking the EFF’s name without evidence.
“There is no one from the EFF involved in this,” he said.
He also denied any personal involvement in wrongdoing. “I do not engage in criminal activities. I am not a criminal,” he said.
Malema confirmed that he knows Nxumalo, who has also been implicated at the commission.
EFF leader Julius Malema has confirmed his friendship with controversial businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Allegations presented include claims that Nxumalo had unusual access to police documents and pressured authorities to arrest controversial blogger Musa Khawula.
“Zé is my friend,” Malema said. “Anyone from the northern suburbs would know him. He is a well-known socialite.”
Malema also defended Nxumalo’s background, noting his family’s political history.
He said Nxumalo is the son of a prominent Inkatha Freedom Party figure.
"I know Ze. Ze Nxumalo is a child of Professor Nxumalo, who was the founder of the IFP. He was the first general secretary of the IFP.”
He accused critics of selectively mentioning his name while ignoring Nxumalo’s broader network of associates.
“They mention me because they are looking for me,” Malema said.
“But they ignore others who are connected to him.”
At the same time, Malema has reiterated that he is suing Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene, saying “nonsense” and allegedly defaming him by claiming he is at the centre of a drug cartel.
Speaking at a media conference at the party’s headquarters in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, on Thursday, Malema said Kunene’s allegations are false and will be challenged in court.
“Kunene can say whatever nonsense he wants to say, but he must repeat that in court,” Malema said.
“We will ventilate his claims in court. I am not suing him for calling me a ‘boy’; I am suing him for saying I am at the centre of a cartel.”
Malema further denied allegations that he stayed in Mazzotti’s bedroom. He described the claims as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
“I never stayed in Mazzotti’s bedroom,” he said, adding that the property in question consists of separate houses and that the claims are a misrepresentation of the layout.
Meanwhile, IOL News previously reported that Kunene has described Malema’s legal action as a “shameless abuse of the courts” and said he has no intention of apologising.
“I will defend myself in court and present evidence in support of my position,” Kunene said,
He added that he looks forward to his day in court.
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