Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema recently sat down with DJ Sbu on the popular Hustle Corner Podcast, where he opened up about his personal life, political journey, and thoughts on the controversies surrounding South Africa's political landscape.

Malema shared a deeply personal story about his upbringing, revealing that he never knew his father.

"I don’t know my father. I tried to ask my mother about him, but she would get upset every time I did," Malema said in the episode filmed at the EFF's headquarters, named after the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Despite the absence of his father, he expressed pride in being a father to his three sons as well as being the EFF leader.

"I am proud that I am a responsible father, both to my children and to the members of the EFF," he said.

Malema's political journey began within the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), where he eventually became president.

However, tensions arose due to his outspoken views, and he, along with EFF's former deputy president Floyd Shivambu, were expelled from the ANC for comparing the leadership of former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki.

"We were expelled because we said Mbeki was a better leader than Zuma," Malema admitted, acknowledging that their criticism had caused offense within the party.

Malema also addressed his controversial ban from Botswana in 2011, after calling for the overthrow of then-president Ian Khama's government, describing it as "a footstool of imperialism".

He claimed that after being suspended for five years, their appeals to the ANC were suppressed, which ultimately led to the formation of the EFF.

"We were already calling ourselves 'economic fighters' within the ANC Youth League," Malema recalled.

"It was me, Floyd, and Masondo. But Masondo didn’t play a role in forming the party. That’s when we decided to go our separate ways."

The conversation also touched on the rumors surrounding Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi allegedly being banned from the EFF.

"Malema dismissed the rumors, saying, "It remains just a rumor. As far as I know, Ndlozi has no plans to join [uMkhonto weSizwe Party] MK, and he has not renewed his membership with any other party. As of now, he’s still a part of the EFF."

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the people who have left the EFF, many of whom joined the MK party or other political factions.

Malema expressed his disappointment, particularly regarding the departure of those he considered close allies.

"I feel betrayed. These people were like brothers to me. I cannot tell the story of the EFF without mentioning them, even though they’ve left," he said, drawing parallels with the betrayal of Thomas Sankara by his close ally, Blaise Compaoré.

Lastly, Malema spoke about the future of the EFF and its stance on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

"We are looking forward to the NPA. It’s all systems go," Malema stated, signaling the party's continued push for greater accountability and justice.

IOL Politics