Zille Refuses To Apologise To Malema, Insists Her Claims Were True no
Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille has refused to retract or apologise for remarks linking Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to alleged political interference in the City of Johannesburg.
Speaking during an interview with Newzroom Afrika today, Wednesday, 11 November, Zille said she stood by her comments despite receiving a formal letter of demand from Malema’s lawyers.
Asked why she would not apologise, Zille responded: “Because what I said was true.”
She added that she was prepared to defend her remarks in court, saying the allegations had been documented in books. Zille also took a swipe at Malema, suggesting the matter might only proceed to court “if he’s not in jail by then for firing firearms in public places”.
The dispute follows an interview with eNCA on Sunday, 8 November, in which Zille discussed former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba’s tenure from 2016 to 2019 under the DA-led administration.
Zille alleged that Mashaba had effectively become “the EFF’s mayor” because he relied on the party’s support to remain in power in the hung council.
She claimed Malema used this political influence to dictate major decisions in the city, including matters involving City Power and the fleet tender. She also alleged that Mashaba appointed Shadrack Sibiya as head of the city’s anti-corruption unit on Malema’s instructions.
Describing the alleged arrangement, Zille said: “It’s the price we pay to stay in power.”
Malema’s attorneys, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc., subsequently sent Zille a letter of demand accusing her of making defamatory and unfounded allegations that portrayed their client as dishonest and corrupt.
The lawyers demanded that she publicly retract her statements, issue an unconditional apology across her social media platforms and through a press statement, and undertake not to repeat the allegations.
They gave her until close of business on Wednesday, 11 November, to comply, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action, including a claim for damages and an interdict.
Zille rejected the demands, responding “No” when asked on social media whether she would retract her comments.
Her lawyers, Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc., also formally rejected the demands in a response to Malema’s legal representatives.
“The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court,” the letter stated.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo has indicated that the party is prepared to pursue defamation proceedings if Zille does not apologise.
The dispute comes amid political tensions following the 2026 local government elections and coalition negotiations in Johannesburg, where the DA and EFF remain political rivals.
Both sides have now indicated that they are prepared to stand their ground, raising the prospect of a court battle over Zille’s allegations.
