“We Were Wrong About Malema”: Mathews Phosa’s viral Admission create Political Debate

Political decisions can have consequences that extend far beyond the moment they are made. More than a decade after Julius Malema was expelled from the African National Congress, comments attributed to former ANC heavyweight Mathews Phosa have reopened questions about whether the party made the right decision.

Phosa, who previously served as ANC treasurer-general and Mpumalanga premier, reportedly admitted during a private gathering that expelling Malema was a mistake.

A video of his remarks circulated on social media, attracting considerable attention because Phosa was an influential figure within the organisation during the period when disciplinary action was taken against the former ANC Youth League president.

Malema’s political difficulties began in 2011 when he was suspended from the ANC following disciplinary proceedings. His expulsion was confirmed in April 2012 after the party’s disciplinary and appeal processes.

His departure eventually resulted in the formation of the Economic Freedom Fighters in 2013. The party went on to establish itself as a significant opposition force, giving Malema a political platform outside the ANC.

Phosa’s reported admission therefore raises an interesting political question: Did the ANC underestimate the influence Malema could develop after leaving the organisation?

For the ANC, the issue is particularly sensitive because the party has experienced declining electoral support and increasing competition from opposition movements.

However, it would be simplistic to suggest that Malema’s departure alone explains the ANC’s political difficulties. The party’s challenges involve leadership, governance, service delivery and changing voter expectations.

There has been no immediate official response from the ANC regarding Phosa’s reported remarks. EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu also indicated that party leaders had seen the circulating video and would respond appropriately.

Whether Phosa’s statement leads to a deeper discussion within the ANC remains to be seen. What is clear is that a disciplinary decision made in 2012 continues to influence South African politics years later.

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