Helen Zille says “no” to EFF’s demand to retract statements

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47 140 Copy link WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) Email Share… The Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) legal team has released a letter of demand to Helen Zille over alleged defamatory remarks about party leader Julius Malema.

Internet personality Tumi Sole posted the letter of demand online and asked whether the Democratic Alliance chairperson would retract her statement, which received a straightforward answer from the controversial politician.

Also see: Who will govern Johannesburg? Helen Zille faces growing opposition

Zille simply said “no” when asked if she would retract the statements that she made on Sunday during an interview with eNCA. Zille reportedly received a PDF regarding the allegations she made against Malema, and has until Wednesday to retract her statements.

— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 10, 2026

In the letter of demand, the EFF stated the following:

“Helen Zille made false and defamatory statements about CIC Malema, claiming that he dictated decisions in the City of Johannesburg, captured City Power, influenced the fleet tender for the benefit of himself and his front companies, and instructed the appointment of Shadrack Sibiya as head of the City’s anti-corruption unit.”

The legal representatives of President and Commander-in-Chief of the EFF, @Julius_S_Malema, have issued a formal legal demand against DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille following an interview with eNCA on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Helen Zille made false and defamatory statements about CIC Malema, claiming that he dictated decisions in the City of Johannesburg, captured City Power, influenced the fleet tender for the benefit of himself and his front companies, and instructed the appointment of Shadrack Sibiya as head of the City’s anti-corruption unit.

These allegations are untrue and defamatory. Helen Zille must retract her statements, issue a public apology, publish a formal press statement and undertake in writing not to repeat these allegations.

She has until close of business on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, to comply, failing which further legal action will be instituted.

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 10, 2026

Also see: Julius Malema receives backlash over response to journalist at press briefing

They further maintained that the allegations are false and threatened to tarnish the party leader’s reputation. They have consequently demanded that she retract her statements, issue a public apology, publish a formal press statement and provide a written undertaking not to repeat the allegations.

The party warned that failure to comply will result in further legal action.

On Sunday, Zille shared a few statements about ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba and Malema during an interview with eNCA.

“He allowed Julius Malema to dictate major decisions and capture City Power and dictate the fleet tender,” she claimed.

Democratic Alliance Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille reflects on her political fallout with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, maintaining that she has nothing against him. Zille was speaking ahead of the IEC results announcement. Tune in to #eNCA, on #DStv403. https://t.co/41KzL09Emh

Featured image: Gallo Images/Lubabalo Lesolle

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