Johannesburg, South Africa – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has publicly acknowledged his acquaintance with controversial businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo, while vehemently denying any involvement in criminal activities. Malema’s statements, made during an EFF press conference yesterday, were a direct response to claims levelled against him at the ongoing Madlanga Commission by suspended Gauteng police sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
Nkosi, who himself is allegedly linked to criminal activities, testified before the commission that he received internal tender documents and engaged in discussions related to a contentious Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) security tender. These discussions allegedly involved former MMC for corporate and shared services, Kholofelo Morodi. Evidence presented, including WhatsApp exchanges, purportedly links Morodi to the sharing of tender-related material. Nkosi, an organised crime officer, further claimed that Morodi was involved in efforts to influence procurement outcomes concerning a land lease tender.
The allegations have implicated both 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 presented at the commission, the TMPD’s deputy chief, Umashi Dlamini, compiled a list of seven preferred companies that he allegedly received from the EFF. This list was then passed to Nkosi, who forwarded it to the municipality’s chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi.
Malema, however, dismissed these claims as relying on hearsay and lacking verifiable evidence. “They never said we got a list from the EFF,” Malema asserted. “They said someone brought the list and claimed it was from the Red Berets. They never said the Red Berets sent that list.” He further challenged the commission’s investigative rigour, stating that it failed to establish whether the alleged 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 declared. “There is nothing that links the EFF or its leadership to this matter.”
He maintained that individuals were invoking the EFF’s name without substantiation, reiterating, “There is no one from the EFF involved in this.” Malema also categorically denied any personal engagement in wrongdoing: “I do not engage in criminal activities. I am not a criminal.”
The EFF leader did confirm his friendship with Nxumalo, who has also been implicated at the commission. Allegations against Nxumalo include claims of unusual access to police documents and pressuring authorities to arrest controversial blogger Musa Khawula. “Zé is my friend,” Malema stated. “Anyone from the northern suburbs would know him. He is a well-known socialite.”
Malema went on to defend Nxumalo’s background, highlighting his family’s political lineage. He noted that Nxumalo is the son of a prominent Inkatha Freedom Party figure, Professor Nxumalo, who was the first general secretary of the IFP. Malema accused critics of selectively mentioning his name while conveniently ignoring Nxumalo’s broader network of associates. “They mention me because they are looking for me,” Malema concluded, suggesting a targeted campaign against him, while adding, “But they ignore others who are connected to him.”
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence, and the implications of these testimonies for political figures and parties remain a subject of intense public and media scrutiny. The intersection of political influence, tender processes, and alleged criminal activity underscores the persistent challenges of governance and accountability within South Africa’s public sector.
