“We Were Wrong About Malema”: Mathews Phosa’s Explosive Admission Sparks Political Debate

Reportedly acknowledging that the ANC erred in its decision to expel Julius Malema twelve years ago, ANC veteran Mathews Phosa has ignited a new political controversy.

Allegedly made during a private gathering on Thursday, Phosa was a former ANC treasurer-general and premier of Mpumalanga. His remarks gained extensive media coverage after a video of them went viral on social media.

Speaking on the decision to expel Julius Malema from the ANC, Phosa says, “It was the wrong decision.”

His remarks take on added significance given that he was a prominent ANC figure when Malema was subject to the disciplinary measures that led to his expulsion in 2012.

After making controversial comments about Botswana’s political developments and refusing to follow then-president Jacob Zuma’s orders, Malema was first suspended in 2011. He was expelled from the ANC in April 2012 by a disciplinary committee, and the decision was later upheld by the party’s appeal structures.

After he left, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a powerful political party and influential voice in South African Parliament.

There was no quick reaction from ANC spokesman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri to Phosa’s remarks, according to reports. Floyd Shivambu, deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), confirmed on X that party leaders had seen the video going around and would respond in the proper way.

The African National Congress (ANC) has remained silent on the matter of Phosa’s stance thus far.

His comments have reignited debate over whether or not the decision to expel Malema altered the political climate in the country and weakened the ANC.

A lot of people in South Africa are talking about how the ANC leadership should think about the political ramifications of Malema’s departure and whether or not they should change their previous decisions because of the statement.

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