“MySol Is A Solid Entrepreneur” Fikile Mbalula Steps In As Julius Malema And Mining Tycoon Clash

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has stepped into the growing public dispute between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and North West mining businessman Solomon “MySol” Soka Madibela, describing the businessman as a “solid South African entrepreneur” and offering to help resolve the disagreement amicably.

Mbalula’s intervention follows a heated exchange between Malema and Madibela, which has drawn attention to the debate over mining ownership, economic opportunities and the distribution of mineral wealth in South Africa.

The dispute intensified on Saturday, October 24, when Malema addressed EFF supporters at Letlhabile Stadium in Madibeng, North West, during a party rally ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

During his address, Malema criticised the businessman and argued that the country’s mineral resources should benefit local communities rather than individuals who accumulate wealth through mining activities.

The EFF leader made it clear that his party would prioritise communities if it gained political control, insisting that mining operations should contribute directly to improving the lives of ordinary people.

“These mines will service our people. These mines will not service MySol,” Malema said, repeatedly referring to Madibela as a “small boy” and declaring that he was not intimidated by wealthy individuals.

Malema also argued that ordinary South Africans should have opportunities to participate in the mining industry instead of seeing economic benefits concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.

His comments placed the businessman at the centre of a wider political discussion about access to mining opportunities and whether communities in resource-rich areas receive sufficient economic benefits from the industry.

The confrontation subsequently extended beyond the political rally, with Madibela reportedly responding to Malema through WhatsApp status updates that circulated on social media.

In his response, the businessman appeared to turn Malema’s description of him as a “small boy” back on the EFF leader, further escalating the public exchange between the two men.

The disagreement follows earlier claims by Madibela that a political party leader had developed hostility towards him after he declined an invitation to attend the party’s fundraising gala dinner.

Speaking on the Podcast and Chill network, Madibela said he did not want to assist political parties and alleged that some political organisations had approached his business clients to encourage them to terminate their working relationships with him.

However, these allegations remain claims attributed to the businessman, and the available reports do not independently establish their accuracy.

Reacting to the dispute, Mbalula took to social media platform X, where he defended Madibela’s business credentials and indicated that he intended to contact Malema to understand the disagreement.

“MySol is a solid SA entrepreneur. Whatever the fight is about, I will reach out to Julius to understand. Let’s settle this amicably,” Mbalula wrote.

The ANC secretary-general’s remarks introduced a potential avenue for dialogue between the two sides, although it remains unclear whether his proposed intervention will lead to a meeting or a resolution.

Mbalula’s defence of Madibela also reflects a relationship between the businessman and ANC leaders that has attracted public attention.

Earlier this year, Madibela appeared alongside Mbalula and other ANC officials during the party’s January 8 celebrations in Madibeng.

At the event, Madibela expressed support for the ANC, saying he appreciated the opportunities created by South Africa’s democracy while also calling on political leaders to address shortcomings and improve conditions for communities.

Although he has maintained that he is not formally affiliated with any political organisation, his public appearances alongside ANC figures have contributed to discussions about his relationship with the governing party.

Mbalula also praised Madibela at the event, describing his business success as an example of someone benefiting from democratic opportunities while maintaining connections to his community.

Beyond the personal exchanges, the disagreement has revived questions about who benefits from South Africa’s mineral resources and how mining wealth should be distributed.

Malema has used the dispute to emphasise the EFF’s position that mining should serve surrounding communities and create broader economic opportunities.

Mbalula, meanwhile, has called for an amicable resolution rather than allowing the disagreement to escalate further.

Whether the dispute develops into a broader political confrontation or is resolved through dialogue remains to be seen.

For now, the exchange between Malema and Madibela has placed mining ownership, community benefits and the role of wealthy entrepreneurs in local economic development firmly in the public spotlight.

Source: https://www.beloud.com/news/144545899