Helen Zille Refuses to Apologise to Malema, Insists Her Claims Were True
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 on Wednesday, November 11, 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 also said she was prepared to defend her remarks in court, arguing that the allegations had been documented in books.
Helen Zille Stands by Allegations Against Julius Malema
During the interview, Zille maintained that she would not withdraw her statements about Malema’s alleged influence over decisions in Johannesburg.
She also took a swipe at the EFF leader, suggesting the matter might only proceed to court “if he’s not in jail by then for firing firearms in public places”.
Her comments followed an earlier interview with eNCA on Sunday, November 8, in which she discussed former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba’s tenure from 2016 to 2019 under the DA-led administration.
Zille Claims Malema Influenced Johannesburg City Decisions
Zille alleged that Mashaba had effectively become “the EFF’s mayor” because he depended on the party’s support to remain in power in Johannesburg’s hung council.
She claimed Malema used this political influence to shape major city decisions, including matters involving City Power and the fleet tender.
Zille further alleged that Mashaba appointed Shadrack Sibiya as head of the city’s anti-corruption unit on Malema’s instructions.
Describing the alleged political arrangement, she said: “It’s the price we pay to stay in power.”
These statements are allegations made by Zille and have become the subject of the legal dispute between the political figures.
Malema’s Lawyers Demand Retraction and Public Apology
Following Zille’s remarks, Malema’s attorneys, England Slabbert Attorneys Inc., sent her a formal letter of demand.
The lawyers accused Zille of making defamatory and unfounded allegations that portrayed their client as dishonest and corrupt.
They demanded that she publicly retract her statements, issue an unconditional apology across her social media platforms and through a press statement, and provide an undertaking not to repeat the allegations.
The letter gave Zille until close of business on Wednesday, November 11, to comply.
Malema’s legal representatives warned that failure to meet the demands would result in legal action, including a claim for damages and an interdict.
Zille’s Lawyers Reject Malema’s Legal Demands
Zille rejected the demands and responded “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 response stated: “The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court.”
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo has indicated that the party is prepared to pursue defamation proceedings if Zille does not apologise.
Defamation Dispute Raises Prospect of Court Battle
The disagreement comes amid political tensions following the 2026 local government elections and coalition negotiations in Johannesburg.
The DA and EFF remain political rivals, and the dispute has added another point of conflict between the two parties.
With Zille refusing to retract her remarks and the EFF indicating its willingness to pursue legal action, the disagreement could develop into a court battle over the allegations.
No court outcome has been reported in the supplied account.
Key Facts About the Helen Zille and Julius Malema Dispute
- DA politician: Helen Zille
- EFF leader: Julius Malema
- Main issue: Allegations of political interference in Johannesburg
- Former mayor discussed: Herman Mashaba
- Period discussed: 2016–2019
- Legal representatives for Malema: England Slabbert Attorneys Inc.
- Legal representatives for Zille: Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc.
- EFF spokesperson: Sinawo Tambo
- Zille’s position: Refuses to retract or apologise
- Potential legal action: Defamation proceedings, damages and an interdict
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why has Helen Zille refused to apologise to Julius Malema?
Zille said she would not apologise because she believes her statements about Malema’s alleged political influence in Johannesburg were true.
2. What allegations did Helen Zille make against Julius Malema?
She alleged that Malema influenced major decisions in Johannesburg, including matters involving City Power and the fleet tender.
3. What did Zille say about former mayor Herman Mashaba?
Zille claimed Mashaba had effectively become “the EFF’s mayor” because he relied on the party’s support to remain in power.
4. Why did Julius Malema’s lawyers send Helen Zille a letter?
His lawyers accused Zille of making defamatory and unfounded allegations that portrayed Malema as dishonest and corrupt.
5. What did Malema’s lawyers demand from Zille?
They demanded a public retraction, an unconditional apology across her social media platforms and through a press statement, and an undertaking not to repeat the allegations.
6. Did Helen Zille agree to apologise?
No. Zille rejected the demands and said she would not retract her comments.
7. Who represents Helen Zille in the dispute?
Her lawyers are Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc.
8. What did Zille’s lawyers tell Malema’s legal team?
They rejected all the demands, stating: “The answer to all your client’s demands is: No. See you in court.”
9. Is the EFF considering defamation proceedings?
Yes. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo indicated that the party is prepared to pursue defamation proceedings if Zille does not apologise.
10. Could the dispute go to court?
Yes. Both sides have indicated that they are prepared to stand their ground, raising the possibility of legal proceedings over Zille’s allegations.
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